I don't usually run public service announcements on this blog.
But because my heroes are healers not killers I'm going to make an exception.
And ask you to please help spread this message:
If you see the flashing lights of emergency vehicles ahead please slow down.
Being a first responder is already a dangerous profession.
Nine first responders have committed suicide in Canada in the first six weeks of 2016. Thirty-nine committed suicide nationally in 2015. They were most frequently battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
So please don't hurt or kill the ones who could one day save your life.
Thank you.
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7 comments:
And it says a lot about the cult of speed... The third car that "didn't see" the first responder, despite his hi-viz vest and clothing... At least neither of the drivers were texting, but the dad was speeding and the couple's attention was on their phone, not the icy road.
hi lagatta...I don't know what happens to some people when they get behind the wheel. But I only wish those who drive like maniacs could be forced to spend a long weekend in a hospital emergency room. Because I guarantee that they would never drive like that again...
WOW Simon, the suicide stats of first responders is truly alarming.How is it that they are not getting any help? Thanks for bringing our attention to this.
I went for a walk to the shops this afternoon after I'd finished my work (at home). The farthest place was the small Métro supermarket at the corner of Jean-Talon and avenue de Chateaubriand. I was crossing the street - at the light, with the light, with a lot of other people of all ages from newborn to ancient, and an ijut turned the corner at speed - despite little snow, it was very icy in our short cold snap - and passed so close to me I could feel the heat of his vehicle.
As well as our cyclists' associations, there is now one here for pedestrians - Piétons Québec. I should send them that video. Really, people shouldn't be killed by ijuts when they are saving lives.
hi lagatta...the number of pedestrians getting mown down is increasing all the time. Where I live I have to dodge cars hurtling along heading for the canyons of Bay Street just a few blocks away where you know time is money. Or roaring towards the sprawling suburbs in the evening with their teeth clenched ready to run over anyone who get in their way. And sadly some cyclists are just as bad. Be very very careful when you cross the street, don't assume anything...
hi Pamela...they are not getting proper help for the same reason PTSD is such a problem in the military. Those afflicted have had to fight every inch of the way to get the little treatment they have now. First they had to fight to get the condition recognized, then they had to fight the stigma, then they had to fight to get the proper treatment. And that's where we are now, making some progress but with a long way to go...
Thank you for the message. We need to be reminded. As a suggestion, keep the music in your vehicle down, so you can hear the approach of sirens and get out of the way. Keep back from Fire Trucks and don't run over their hoses.
B.C. has had a number of first responders kill themselves. We need to ensure those who look after us, are looked after by us also and that means ensuring WCB respects their claims and the governments ensure the first responders are adequately staffed and their equipment in good repair and up to date.
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