Another LODD for EMS this week: Seems like there have been so many this year. The fire fighters in Winnipeg, the medics/soldiers while serving on our behalf in Afghanistan, the student in Saskatchewan nearing the end of his practicum, the young man in Ontario recently, the police and RCMP across the country who serve to protect us each day...of course never forgetting the four in Mayerthorpe.
This most recent one...is the first time I've actually known one of the deceased personally. Likely he will be the face I will always associate with any in the future (God willing they will be few).
We talk a lot about how much more needs to be done in EMS to bring it to a stature similar to Fire and Police with respect to working conditions and standards, national unity, and public perception. We're taught about scene safety and how it's ourselves, and our partners that need to be put at the top of the priority list when it comes to the job.
The circumstances surrounding Mike's death remain unknown to the general public at this time. I'm sure, as with many of these accidents, there will be thoughts about what should have or could have been different. Regardless it's a life lost to the EMS community. A community which some of us have already been working in... and many of us are excitedly (yet with trepidation) waiting to become part of. Perhaps it's time we start behaving as part of it. And no matter what area you find yourself in... Industrial, Rural or Urban EMS...Fire, Police...even military...it's still a community.
A friend with Edmonton EMS Honour Guard has provided me with a bag of black ribbons which are being distributed once again to pay respect to another brother who has died. If anyone would like one to show support for Mike, or any of the lives lost in EMS...I will have them with me for classes.
I knew Michael. Talked with him often. Usually him giving me reassurance that I'd be okay, that I'd make the grade with school, that I'd do well in the field. He understood so easily and readily where my heart for this career came from (my son) without any question. I know that there was so much more to learn about him and what brought him into EMS as well.
I am, to say the least, completely dumbfounded and heartbroken. My heart aches for his wife and kids...one of whom was born not that long ago...two very beautiful children. Michael was a good man...and this hits way to close to home for me tonight.
Kodiac my man! You will be missed tremendously...our drinks will have to wait a little longer I guess. Hearing the bagpipes will never be the same again.
"The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arises from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost." -Arthur Schopenhauer
Godbless...
"Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
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