KarunaNews Story

Brant-Brantford paramedic Jessica Rattle’s unique program began after she noticed how often people had fallen but couldn’t get up. A licensed kinesiologist, she thought personalized exercises could help people build strength and mobility. Now, as well as 911 calls and shifts within the community paramedicine program, she works one to two shifts a week on her specialized program. After consulting with a client’s family physician, she makes a personalized exercise plan that relies on a client’s body weight and simple tools like rehab putty, foam balls, resistance bands, and household items like tea towels. The program takes place in the client’s home and is free. Anyone can refer themselves or a family member, and doctors often put forward patients. In the year since the program started, most clients have been seniors and she can show clients they are making progress — sometimes even before they recognize it.