In a joint initiative, a group of local paramedics from Chatham-Kent EMS and the team at Hospice are partnering to create the Lasting Memories Program, escorting palliative patients on one end-of-life journey of their wish.
“We want to help families create a wonderful memory to carry with them throughout their final days together,” stated Pete Morassutti, Manager of Mobile Integrated Health for Chatham-Kent EMS, in a media nelease.
“One last visit to the farm, ride to the lake, or enjoying a sporting event – one last celebration. Medavie Health Services values being caring, innovative and community-minded, and Lasting Memories is an excellent example of how these values become reality.”
Through this program, staff at Hospice will work with families on coordinating an outing while volunteer paramedics will accompany them throughout the excursion, alleviating any health or medical concerns.
For the inaugural first ride, Hospice resident Sandra, her daughter, Cindy, son-in-law, Vince, and her two granddaughters visited C.M. Wilson Conservation Area for the afternoon.
They brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed the fresh air.
“My daughter and I were looking up places in the area after I found out about this trip, and we stumbled across pictures for the conservation area,” Sandra stated.
“It looked so beautiful, I thought ‘I would love to see that in person. I never thought I would be able to go outside again, let alone in this beautiful setting.”
Chatham-Kent EMS paramedics Rodney and Jon volunteered their time to accompany Sandra.
“Getting into the ambulance felt very smooth,” Sandra added.
“They were very cautious and attentive to me. The ride was a bit bumpy, but they warned me before every bump, so I felt ready and comfortable. With the scooter I got to cruise around and feel the wind in my hair and listen to birds. I even saw a snapping turtle. One of the paramedics held him until my granddaughters could come over so they could see it. I got to see the wonder in their faces and not just hear about it later. The paramedics went above and beyond and made the entire experience completely stress free.”
Sandra, having grown up in the country, felt the outing was a wonderful way to spend quality time with her family while enjoying nature.
She and her family had limited information about Hospice before it was suggested to them while she was in hospital.
What has surprised Sandra the most about living at Hospice are the little things.
“Everyone is so caring and kind. I am very thankful to Hospice and Chatham-Kent EMS for making this opportunity possible,” Sandra added.
