The season of giving is here – HURRAY!  Giving thanks, giving gifts and giving BACK!

Those of in emergency medical services have many blessings to be thankful for.  A good friend of mine who recently retired as the Chief of the Daytona Beach Fire Department had the perfect banner in his office that read “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

If you are like me, you’ve never “worked” a day in your life.  We do what we do not for the money, or the glory, but for the intrinsic reward that comes from knowing you truly make a difference in people’s lives every day. 

The fact that our communities allow us to serve them is indeed an honor, one that we should routinely be thankful for.  The holiday season offers a perfect opportunity for us to give back to the community in a number of ways.  Here are some suggestions for programs that have been very effective around the country.

At “Home”:

First and foremost, giving back must start at home – both your “home-home” AND your work home.  Be sure to dedicate time with your family, they are the most important people in your life.  If you’re in management, also do all you can to give back to your employees.  This includes things like a family friendly holiday shift assignments, allowing units to go “home” as long as it is in district and does not impact activation time, or allowing employees families to come to the station on the holiday for a visit.  It also is advisable to spend one of the holidays in the field visiting with the on-duty personnel.

Flu Vaccines:

Partner with your local health department or hospital to offer flu vaccines for high-risk members of your community.  Most states allow paramedics to administer vaccines with their medical director’s approval and minimal additional training.  What better use of a fire station that as a “drive through” vaccine clinic.  Drivers pull up to the entrance of the apparatus bay and without even exiting their car, complete simple paperwork, insurance authorizations (oh, did I mention most insurance – including Medicare – pays for the vaccine?) and vital signs assessment.  Then they pull into the bay, stick an arm out the window with sleeve rolled up, get stuck and drive on!  Total time, less than 10 minutes.  Similar vaccine points can be set up at local pharmacies, schools, and libraries, virtually anywhere.

“Home for the Holidays”:

This idea has been around for a while, but it is surprising how few agencies actually take advantage of it.  This program provides free local ambulance or wheelchair van transportation for an elderly patient to spend the holiday with local family members.  Implementation is easy!  Contact a Skilled Nursing Facility, Assisted Living Facility, etc. in your service area and ask them to designate one or two patients who; a) have family who would like them to attend the holiday at their home in the service area, b) are economically challenged, and c) are clinically stable, but unable to ride in standard transportation.  This program works for both public and private services equally and is a HUGE community relations win.  Even the employees who provide the transportation love the program and get huge rewards from it!

DUI Messages:

One of the unfortunately realities of the holiday season is drunk driving.  To help keep your community save, here are several ideas for DUI awareness/prevention.  Partner with a local towing company and auto insurer to find a totally wrecked vehicle.  Park the vehicle in the “town square” of other prominent location with a big sign that says “Don’t Drink and Drive This Holiday Season!”  It’s a compelling image that works during prom season as well.  Contact the towing company that provides service to your agency and partner with them to offer free towing and a ride home to anyone who calls them for service because they have had too much to drink.

Holiday Gift Wrapping:

Some charities obtain space a local mall and provide gift-wrapping for a donation.  See if there are any in your area and offer volunteers for the gift wrapping detail.  Even offer to get enough folks to do a whole shift – the “ABC Ambulance Shift” might be 6p – 10p on the Thursday before Christmas for example.  This is extremely rewarding and the employees who participate will have an absolutely fabulous time!

“Toys for Tots”:

Offer your office or one of your stations as a “Toys for Tots” (or similar program in your community) drop off location.  If there is not one, start it.  It’s really not too difficult and provides an incredible service that brings smiles to the kids, the parents and your employees!

 “Adopt” a Family:

You might consider adopting a whole family (or a few) for Christmas.  Employees can shop for the kids (and even the parents) and invite them to a Christmas party at your office or station.  Your local United Way maybe able to provide you with a needy family in your area eligible for “adoption”.

These are just a few of the ideas I’ve been personally invovled in and that have been extremely successful.  Please feel free to use the “Insights Talk Back” feature to share additional ideas to give back to the communities were proudly service….

Best wishes for a very merry Christmas, a happy Chanukah and SAFE and happy New Year!