Thanks to our First Responders

I was fortunate this week to be a part of a celebratory breakfast honoring first responders.  The definition of a first responder is someone designated or trained to respond to an emergency.  Let’s think about that for a minute.  There are many different types of people in this world and we all would react differently in the event of an emergency.  Some of us will be frozen in where we stand, some of us will turn away, some of us will ignore it and hope someone else will step up to help.  Then there are the chosen few who are called to run in help those in danger or crisis. 

They run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.  They assist those trapped in burning or wrecked cars without the thought of the imminent danger to themselves.  They comfort the badly injured and those who are traumatized.  They even play mediator and counselor for domestic issues in families and tend to some of our frail and lonely elderly. It takes a special kind of person to perform these actions under enormous amounts of pressure.

These men and women are members of our fire departments, police departments, sheriff’s departments, and paramedic teams.  They work all hours of the day and night.  They help all kinds of people from the very wealthy, the middle class and the poorest of the poor.  All the while, they think not of themselves but of only helping others.

Maybe it’s a certain type of person who does this job, maybe it’s a calling.  Either way, I am glad they are here.  Take some time to reflect on what these first responders do for our lives.  Even if you have never had the misfortune to need one, you will be glad to know they are there if you do.  If you see a first responder while going about your day, thank them for the service they provide. 

Touching Hearts Senior Care has provided Dementia Training for our first responders.  The training helps them understand the disease, recognize the symptoms and how to respond appropriately.  For more information about Touching Hearts Senior Care, visit our website www.touchingheartsseniorcare.com