09/20/2025
From Danielle Aspen, a parmedic in the southern part of Nova Scotia:
"I want to take a moment to recognize and thank all of this region’s volunteer firefighters and medical first responders. As one of your local paramedics, I see firsthand how often you are called upon to attend emergencies, not only for fires, but for motor vehicle collisions and medical calls across our communities. The support you provide at these calls makes a tremendous difference not only for us as paramedics, but most importantly, for the patients and families we all serve.
Your presence at medical emergencies is invaluable. You are often the first on scene, assist with patient care, and support us in situations that are often unpredictable and challenging. It is always a relief when we know you are attending. While you are well trained, emergencies often go beyond what any training can fully prepare you for. Yet time and again, you step up and deliver the care and treatment that is needed to make a difference. In rural areas, where resources are limited, distances long, and ambulance response times lengthy, your dedication saves lives. Often the treatment you provide has a greater impact on a patient’s outcome than most realize.
The commitment, skill, training, and teamwork you bring to every call allows us to do our jobs more effectively and safely, and ensures patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible. You bring comfort, safety, and lifesaving care when it’s needed most.
I know I can speak on behalf of all of my colleagues when I say that we are grateful and proud to work alongside you, and to share the responsibility of caring for the residents of our communities.
Thank you for your dedication, your sacrifice, and the countless hours you give to your communities. We don’t always get the chance to thank you in the midst of someone’s emergency, but please know that the service you provide and the support we receive from you is appreciated far more than words can express.
And for those who are not volunteers, who may be reading this and feel a spark of interest, fire departments across the province are always in need of more volunteers and there are plenty of opportunities to support your community whether on the front lines or behind the sirens."