Santa, along with his trusted elf and BCEHS Infant Transport Team paramedic George Madden are traveling in an air ambulance to deliver presents and spread Christmas joy to boys and girls in Victoria, Nanaimo, Surrey, New Westminster and Vancouver hospitals.
“We’re thrilled to once again assist Santa on his air ambulance toy run to visit children in hospitals this holiday season,” said Helijet President and CEO Danny Sitnam. “Throughout the year our dedicated Helijet staff works closely with BCEHS paramedics to provide 24/7 helicopter service for hundreds of critically-ill patients across BC. Many of our patients are children, so all of us at Helijet are happy to help make this Christmas season special for these courageous kids and their families.”
For paramedics and flight crews, who often meet patients and their families during medical emergencies, the annual toy run is a special opportunity to interact with children and their families in a much happier environment.
“In our line of work, you see on a daily basis the tough realities our patients and their families face when dealing with health-related challenges,” said Madden. “That is why it is so special to me to be a part of this initiative which allows me to see the pure joy and excitement on these children’s faces when they meet Santa.”
Santa’s day-long trek begins with visits to Victoria General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in the morning, followed by afternoon trips to BC Children’s Hospital (the province’s largest hospital for children and adolescents), Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, and Surrey Memorial Hospital.
About BCEHS: BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) is responsible for the delivery and governance of pre-hospital emergency medical care and inter-facility patient transfer services through the BC Ambulance Service and the BC Patient Transfer Network.
Preet Grewal
Communications Officer, BCEHS
preet.grewal@bcehs.ca
778.679.5641 or PHSA media line: 778. 867.7472
