Paramedic Memorial; recognition of the Silent Heroes.

I would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank the Paramedic Association of Manitoba (PAM) and its chairman, Mr. Eric Glass, for all their hard work regarding the Manitoba Government's efforts to establish memorials for fallen workers.

When first announced, Paramedics were again forgotten and simply lumped in with "other workers". Don't get me wrong, all workers who die during the course of their duties is a trajedy and should be recognized - my point is the the role of Paramedics encountering the same situations and dangers as the other emergency services (see Police and Firefighters) was not being recognized. ALL emergency services encounter dangerous and unpredictable situations, drive under stressful situations (lights and sirens) every day, enter someone's home when that person is in a crisis, respond to calls for assistance for anyone/anywhere, get exposed to potentially toxic smoke from providing agency support at fire incidents, face violence, and are each other's support in time of chaos. These realities should make Paramedics, Police, and Firefighters equal when consideration for memorials occur. Unfortunately, the Manitoba Government did not see this at first.

It's unfortunate that the public doesn't always see it that way either. I believe it's part of a bigger issue of how we raise our children (playing cops and robbers, playing with fire trucks, anything medical is doctor/nurse play) and how Paramedics are not in the media. This can be the result of a couple of factors; we simply are not at a scene long enough for the media (cameras) to capture our "story", we don't have media releases about what we do everyday, and we cannot place a dollar value on our work (how much is a life worth? - we hear about $500,000 fires or multi million $ drug busts but how much for the 2o something year old killed in a MVC?). It is truly impossible to place a value on a human life as the experiences we bring to each other are truly priceless.

That is the role of a Paramedic. Silently, keeping a low profile, saving what is truly priceless - someone's family and friend. Our interventions make life and death changes. This role in emergency services is unique and should not be less valued then a Police Officer or Firefighter. Thanks to PAM, the Manitoba Government now understands. Now, there is recognition of the silent heroes - Paramedics.

If you haven't seen the PAM presentation, check it out here

Hey, we're charitable!!

Great news to share with all of you that follow our blog and we believe it's good enough to share!

For those of you in Mb EMS long enough, you'll remember the name InterAct. In the 1990's, this group of dedicated medics (and former medics) organized a yearly conference that brought in guest speakers from across North America. I am priviledged to say that I had attended multiple conferences and always had a great time. More recently, you may have heard (or been lucky enough to see) the InterAct's group efforts to restore a 1960's vintage ambulance for PR use.

Anyway, this group had established charitable status for their projects. The InterAct charitable fund has partnered with PAM in order to manage the charity. This partnership has been created with InterAct specifically identifying that they would like to assist the MPHG efforts. It is our understanding all of the legalities have been worked out and the transfer of the charity to PAM has been finalized.

So, know of anyone looking to support a charitable group? We may be the answer.

Later,

Marc

A challenge from Gimli

I would like to share the following email I recieved this week -

I recieved a phone call from Gimli ambulance in the Interlake. These paramedics have put out a local challenge in there own station to raise funds to sponsor an Honour Guard Uniform today they have raised $600 toward their goal, and would like to extend the challenge to other stations to do the same.

The reaction to the development of the MPHG has been very positive. As a member of the inaugural Executive, I would like to thank everyone who has been of assistance in getting this project off the ground. As you all know, it takes money to purchase the dress uniforms (approx. $1000) and to arrange travel when the need arises. So far, we have received financial donations from unions (MGEU, PPAW, and MAHCP), employers (IRHA, WFPS), and other agencies (PAM, Mb EMS Discussion Board, and private citizens).

I believe the grassroots level support we are getting is exactly what will keep this project alive and well. The MPHG is about giving the opportunity for Manitoba EMS providers to represent themselves professionally at formal events. There was never any doubt that we are a professional group; now we have the means to show it. As you saw in Diane's blog (below - Our first meeting), the reaction from the inaugural applicants for the MPHG has been uplifting. We have representation from many RHA's making the MPHG truly Manitoba's.

As we are busy outfitting and beginning practicing our drill, the funds must continue to come in. Ideas like Gimli's are fantastic. Or, you can approach your EMS Director and ask them to support our activities. After all, we are representing all of us.

Our first meeting ….

On Oct 1st at 20:00 hrs, the inaugural MPHG applicants met for the first time. All the paramedics that applied to the Honour Guard were invited to a meet and greet at the Macdonald’s Ambulance station in Oak Bluff. Everyone had an opportunity to meet each other from other stations from all across Manitoba. We have some good representation from different regions; as far north as Churchill, as far south as Steinbach, furthest east to Lac Du Bonnet, and to the west as far as Swan Lake.

Who we are, and how we were formed was explained along with some protocols, and finally the dress uniform was unveiled, and for the first time these applicants got a sneak preview of what could be in store for them. I was excited to meet them all, and I definitely got the impression from them that they also were just as excited as we are to be part of the new Manitoba Paramedic Honour Guard. We truly believe that Manitoba EMS can be represented with Honour in Manitoba. EMS has taken a back seat on a lot of issues in our own province, but not this time. I believe we have the heart, the hard work it takes and the dedication to make this work.

Now it’s time for our Drill Sergeant Jeff Hurshman to come in. The first ever drill practice is scheduled for mid October. So for those of you that applied, wear something comfortable, bring your boots and…..see you all soon.


Diane Findlay