“We get all our calls on our cellphones,” he explained. “The station landline rings maybe six times a year.”
To Daniel’s surprise, this call was from the Kindness Club at Eagle Ridge Elementary School.
The children in the Kindness Club wanted to say thank you to Port Moody paramedics for all they do in the community. They had written and drawn hand-made cards.
Daniel said he’d be delighted to come to the school to accept the cards.
Daniel has been a paramedic for more than 21 years. In all those years of service he had never been acknowledged like this.
“The kids were incredible,” said Daniel. “Each card was signed by all the kids. They were very creative.”
He put every card up on a board at the ambulance station so everyone could see them.
He also shared the brownies the children gave him – enough for the whole station (a staff of 35 people).
“I’ve kind of adopted them as my school now,” said Daniel.
The students’ kindness has made such an impact on Daniel he plans to make changes so paramedics and students can connect much, much easier.
Daniel makes the point that paramedics are only accessible when responding to medical emergencies. “It’s hard to get access to us, otherwise.”
He hopes to bridge the gap between paramedics and students because “this type of thing really means a lot.”