Northumberland Paramedics is inviting children to help decorate the halls of our local paramedic bases with colourful art in celebration of Paramedic Services Week this month. Paramedic Services Week, taking place from May 19-25 this year, recognizes the important work of paramedicine professionals in keeping our communities safe and healthy.
This year’s theme, “Help Us, Help You,” focuses on sharing tips and messaging about how community members can best support paramedics and other emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency. By working together, community members and first responders can help build a safe and healthy community.
“Paramedic Services Week is a reminder of the unwavering dedication of the Northumberland Paramedic team to this community,” states County Warden Brian Ostrander. “These intensively-trained professionals play a crucial role in the wellbeing of Northumberland residents and visitors. During times of need and distress, paramedics are there to support us and our loved ones by providing vital medical care, compassion, and empathy. During Paramedic Services Week, we take a moment to thank Northumberland Paramedics for their service, and we celebrate their immense skill, commitment and resilience.”
Community members are invited to join Northumberland Paramedics for a series of activities in recognition of Paramedic Services Week:
· Participate in the Children’s Art Contest: Children ages 10 and under are invited to showcase their artistic talents and help decorate the halls of our local paramedic bases for the chance to win a prize! Parents and caregivers can download the ‘Help Us, Help You’ drawing page at Northumberland.ca/Paramedics. Children are invited to draw a picture on this page highlighting how they can support paramedic services in our community. Drawings can be submitted up until the end of the day on Wednesday, May 22nd. Each participant will be entered into a random draw, and two lucky winners will receive a fun paramedic-themed toy!
· Visit Northumberland Paramedics together with EarlyON Northumberland at the Cobourg Farmers Market: Northumberland Paramedics will be at the Cobourg Farmers Market, located at Rotary Harbourfront Park on Saturday, May 25th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents are invited to stop by for the opportunity to explore an ambulance up close, meet local paramedics, and participate in children’s activities coordinated by EarlyON Northumberland. Families who stop by between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. will also have the chance to meet and take a photo with Terry the Traumasaurus – Northumberland Paramedics’ friendly dinosaur mascot!
“Paramedic Services Week is a great opportunity for our Paramedic team to connect with local families and share important information with the community,” states Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown. “This year’s theme, ‘Help Us, Help You,’ highlights the importance of being prepared in case of an emergency. Preparation can save valuable time during an emergency.”
Chief Brown recommends community members prepare for emergencies through actions such as:
· Ensuring your property has a visible civic address marker;
· Teaching children how and when to call 9-1-1; and
· Ensuring children know their home address and phone number.
“Our paramedics are highly skilled and dedicated to providing the best possible care for community members – whether they are responding to an emergency or providing non-emergency care through our Community Paramedicine program,” says Chief Brown. “This week, as we celebrate their work in the community, it is a great opportunity to also share how we can all work together for a healthier Northumberland.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
