A hero for our heroes

Times Reporter     

 

On May 20 Lindsey Jepson, a Calgary paramedic, was at Brentwood Elementary School to speak to the Grade 1 students about safety and being a hero for their heroes. 

Jepson is also a speaker with the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF). Const. John Petropoulos passed away Sept. 29, 2000. 

He was investigating a break-and-enter call when he happened to step through a false ceiling, falling nine feet into the lunchroom below, later succumbing to brain injuries. 

“I got involved with JPMF because I know firsthand the dangers and obstacles that first responders face during even what can be a routine call. Being an EMT and also being the daughter of a retired police officer makes this topic personal,” said Jepson.

“I remember very clearly the day that Calgary lost John in the line of duty, and found myself tormented by the fact that it wasn’t the emergency or the nature of the call itself that took his life- but rather the premises.

“The environment/site/worksite/residence/premises often pose hazards that are preventable, even when the nature of the call may not be. Like in John’s case, had a safety railing been put in place to indicate that the flooring was changing, he would still be here. This was preventable.”

Being a mom of three, Jepson is happy to be giving a presentation to schools, teaching the kids different things they can do to make their home, or school, safe for those who may be coming help them in some way. 

“A lot of their presentation was about how the kids can help emergency responders if they do have to come to their place for an emergency, which is kind of a new perspective the kids hadn’t had before,” said Grade 1 teacher Mona Funk. 

“She talked about the importance of not fighting with your siblings in the vehicle because your parents have to concentrate, so keeping them safe, and the same with on the bus, and the importance of not being noisy because the bus driver needs to concentrate. So a lot of what they can do to just help ensure the safety of others and the emergency responders if they come.”

JPMF is free for a school to invite into their classrooms. For more information visit their website (www.jpmf.ca).