All about the MedVents...

• The program started as a section in the vocational scouting program at Scouts Canada.  The program later became the known as the themed Scouting program.
• Each group has it's own local sponsor which is typically the local paramedic or regional EMS (Emergency Medical Service) department.

Where did we start from?

Genesis

• The Medical Venturer program started in British Columbia, Canada in 1994.  During the preparation for the 7th BC/Yukon Jamboree held at Camp Hughes near Prince George in July of 1995 (PJ95) it became clear a large number of first aid and medical personnel would be needed. In searching for a solution, the organizers of the Jamboree ponder if the members of Venturer Companies and Rover Crews in British Columbia could rise to the challenge to provide first aid services for the event. Building on the experiences and lessons learned at CJ'93 the Medical Venturer, MedVent, program was started.

Wagons East

• In 2000, the program was brought to Ontario with the help of Scouters within Toronto Emergency Medical Services who sponsored the 1st Downsview Scout group creating the 1st Downsview MedVents. Working closely with Scouts Canada the 1st Downsview MedVents are now the driving force behind the program. Through the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers the MedVent program is recognized as a fully fledged entity within scouting ensuring a country wide standard of service is adhered to.
• The Venturer program was used a model for the MedVent program. The program target was youth in the Venturer program. Unexpectedly at the first recruitment drive there was a significant number of youth who were too old to be a Venturer instead of turning away potential members, the MedVent program for Rovers was born.

Toronto EMS MedVents

• The strongest and largest MedVent groups are in the Toronto area, where we have 2 groups, the 1st Downsview group and the 1st Scarborough group, both are sponsored by the City of Toronto's Toronto Emergency Medical Services.

Major Milestones

• With the success of the program with Toronto EMS, other Medical Venturer Companies and Medical Rover Crews began to sprout up in Ontario.
• The Ottawa MedVents with the assistance of the 1st Downsview MedVent and 1st Windsor MedVent Groups, provided first aid services for the 2005 Central Canadian Jamboree (CCJAM'05).
• With the success and experience gained at CCJAM'05, 1st Downsview was approached to spearhead the first aid services for Scouts Canada 100th anniversery's 2007 Canadian Jamboree (CJ'07). With the assistance of the other Ontario MedVent groups and first aid volunteers from around the world, the MedVents proved they have the ability to provide first aid services for a large camp, which is staffed by MedVents and we have the ability to combine MedVents from various MedVents groups to form one cohesive team.
• After these two successful camps, Medical Venturer companies and Medical Rover Crews began to sprout across Canada, including the migration of the program westward.
• As of 2011 there are 17 operating MedVent groups across Canada. This program is one of the fastest growing sections in Scouts Canada.

Return To The Beginnings

• In 2011 members of the 1st Downsview MedVents were invited to attend the Pacific Jamboree (PJ’11) as Offer of Service volunteers for the Emergency Services team. This marked the first time MedVents were back in the province British Columbia.
• After the Jamboree, a new MedVent group was started up in Edmonton, Alberta.

For more information check the websites of the regional groups that are listed under "Regional Groups".