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Divers Alert Network recently awarded two DAN Pool Paks to Trooper Island Camp, a children's camp run by the Kentucky State Police. DAN made the contribution through its Oxygen Grant Program.
Each summer, more than 700 needy children from 10-12 years old attend weeklong camp sessions free of charge. The 35-acre island camp, situated on Dale Hollow Lake, was developed as part of a long-range program of public service to the youth of Kentucky.
Trooper First Class Craig Sutton, the camp director, underscored the need for oxygen units at the camp. Campers participate in swimming, fishing and canoeing, and the closest hospital is more than 20 minutes drive time not counting time needed to cross the lake, he said.
"Having each of our counselors trained in aquatic emergencies is a great asset not only to Trooper Island but also the lake," Sutton said. "When camp is not in session, those on the lake know they can find help here.
"By receiving two of the DAN oxygen units, we will be able to have a unit where it will be easily accessible if needed. During the summer, we can have one unit at the swimming area and another in the canoeing area. Should we have an emergency these units will be available for quick use."
Sutton said all camp lifeguards and summer counselors have been trained in the DAN Oxygen First Aid course. "And with help from the Louisville Dive Center and Ray Scott, one of the center's owners, we will continue each year to certify all counselors prior to the summer camping season," Sutton said.
Trooper Island also conducts specialized camps each summer; they include one for Hispanic children and another for children with special medical needs.
Through the Oxygen Grant Program, DAN provides emergency oxygen units to deserving public safety diving teams or organizations in the DAN America region. To receive the DAN Oxygen Units, those organizations must demonstrate a genuine need of oxygen in the carrying out their work. In addition, consideration for the grant requires training in the use of the equipment through attendance in a DAN Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course.
For more about the Trooper Island Camp, visit http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/island.htm
For more about the DAN Oxygen Grant Program, click here.
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