​To British Columbians, paramedics are recognized as trusted and respected professionals; the voice of reassurance during a crisis and the people they rely on to be there in their time of greatest need. What many don’t know is that for countless paramedics this role extends beyond our provincial borders. There is no better example than the volunteer work many BCAS paramedics undertake as part of Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT), an organization that through medical relief and development projects seeks to improve the health and welfare of families both in Canada and in developing countries around the world.

BCAS is extremely proud of the many paramedics from across the province who volunteer their time to CMAT, for representing our country, province and Service so well. Following, a few of these exceptional individuals share their stories of medical missions of a lifetime.

Paramedic Kelly Churchill (Vancouver Station 261)

I was deployed with CMAT as part of Team 1 to Haiti in Leogane, from January 17-29, 2010, and it is an experience I will never forget. Drawn by the challenge of working in a “disaster zone”, I provided first-aid to the earthquake victims including: triage, surgical and anaesthesia assistance, pre-op/post-op care and wound care. While deployed, our team was essentially living with the Haitians and I was blown away by their strength and resilience.

Paramedic Kathryn Harms (New Westminster Station 247)

I have been a CMAT Director since 2006 and have had the opportunity to go on several deployments including Pakistan following the October 2005 earthquake, Bangladesh in August 2007 during response to severe floods; and Haiti during response to the January 2010 earthquake. On deployments, in addition to providing medical care for patients, I work as Team Leader. Every deployment is memorable in its own way. The environment and experiences are so vastly different each time they really aren’t even comparable. I guess the most memorable part of any deployment is always the people I meet, the way a team of multi-disciplinary medical professionals come together as strangers, and in just a few short weeks part as family held together by a profound shared experience.

Paramedic Brad Fraser (Westbank Station 339)

Providing medical relief and helping those in need is something I have always been interested in. Volunteering with CMAT has been a great opportunity to use my training and experience in a completely immersive way, where I can really make a difference. This June, I had the chance to go to Port Au Prince, Haiti for two weeks as part of the last CMAT team deployed to the region. Looking back the most memorable part of the experience for me was delivering my first of 4 babies, 3 girls and 1 boy. The mother named the boy after me!​

For more information on CMAT and how you can support this worthwhile organization visit the CMAT website​.