CORNWALL, Ontario – Cornwall SDG paramedics hosted their first ever community Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Paramedic Services Headquarters on Campbell St.
Staff and 30 clients in attendance enjoyed lunch, Christmas carols and a gift from Santa. Clients were bussed to the party from across Cornwall and SDG.
“The idea is to spread Christmas cheer to clients we serve throughout the year,” said Bill Lister, SDG Paramedic Services Chief. “It’s brought our staff lots of joy, too, to host this event.”
“This was truly an inter-departmental initiative,” added Lister, noting contributions made by Cornwall Transit and Social & Housing Services.
Select residents in the community, especially seniors and patients living with chronic conditions, receive at-home care provided by the Community Paramedic Program. Paramedics will monitor the overall health and independence of residents with a goal of reducing emergency transports and hospital readmissions.
“This has warmed my heart,” said Liz Hill, paramedic, to clients and their families. “I care for you so much. You’ve become part of my family.”
Eva Mahoney, a regular client, receives visits from the paramedics once a month.
“The paramedics are wonderful to us,” said Mahoney. “I don’t know what we’d do without them.”
