A paramedic gives a tour of the back of an ambulance to birthday girl, Shelby, 11, Wednesday evening. (submitted photo/Parkland Ambulance)

By Dawson Thompson

spreading joy to all

Emergency services helped by birthday celebrations as well

Nov 26, 2020 | 3:10 PM

Emergency services in Prince Albert are helping families celebrate birthdays by doing a ‘birthday drive-by’ during the pandemic.

Little do the families know, emergency workers benefit from the positive interaction as well.

According to Parkland Ambulance public affairs director, Lyle Karasiuk, the interactions are great for paramedics psychologically.

“Anytime we can make connections to the people we care for and have cared for, in various positive outcomes, is a win,” Karasiuk said. “Our jobs are not always the best. We don’t often see the best in people.”

Despite being behind personal protective equipment, Karasiuk explained a part of being a paramedic is connecting with people.

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“Sometimes it is tough to hold somebody’s hand when they are not having a good day. The human touch is so important in any profession, but in ours that is what we do. We care for people, we support them, and giving back to the community is a huge part of what our agency does,” Karasiuk explained.

The director of public affairs explained a big part of helping celebrate birthdays is spreading joy.

Parkland Ambulance helps Shelby, 11, celebrate her birthday with a drive-by and ambulance tour, Wednesday evening. (submitted photo/Parkland Ambulance)

“It gives our men and women a chance to share some joy, not only the joy of the season but the joy that gives them some hope that maybe tomorrow will be a better day,” Karasiuk said. “It’s really exciting to have our paramedics get out there and be a part of the community, because they miss that.”

During the drive-by experience with the Parkland Ambulance, a fun addition is a tour of the back of the ambulance.

Regularly, Parkland Ambulance would do multiple events at schools throughout the year, where students would get the chance to learn all about being a paramedic. The birthday celebrations are a great opportunity for kids to see what it’s all about.

“We miss being out in the community. We’re so excited when somebody has an opportunity to invite us,” Karasiuk said. “Giving back is what we do. We help you in times that are not so great, but it is nice for us to help you celebrate a birthday or special occasion.”

Primary Care Paramedic for the Parkland Ambulance Sydney Bueckert told paNOW it is nice to share more about her job.

“It’s nice to be able to show them the things we do,” Bueckert said. “It’s a good way for them to learn, when they’re hands on. It’s fun seeing how excited they are when they see the back of the ambulance.”

Bueckert added during the hard times of COVID-19, it helps to celebrate special days with people.

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Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8