If you Google “hero” you will find a number of definitions. In modern culture, a hero is often seen as someone who is admired for their courage, selflessness, and noble qualities, and who is willing to take risks or make sacrifices in order to help others or achieve a noble goal. It is a person who rushes in to help others in the face of danger and adversity and does so because they genuinely care about the safety and well-being of other people. To be a hero, one needs to be selfless, courageous and strong.
Without a doubt, those qualities uniquely describe some special people who live and work in our communities. Our local EMS squads and fire departments are filled with these heros. They are routinely the first on the scene to face challenging, dangerous, and draining situations. They are exposed to horrific situations that would cause most of us to have sleepless nights. These experiences, although essential to the well-being of our communities, are strenuous to first responders and with time will put them at an increased risk of trauma and stress.
We should acknowledge the risks they take every single day, just by showing up to do their job, and give them our encouragement and our prayers.
Below is a story that made the national news and is a perfect example how important first responders are and how they go beyond what is expected of them to help others in need.
Megan Warfield — a firefighter in Baltimore — was nine months pregnant and off-duty when she was in a “significant” car crash that caused her to go into labor. But before tending to her own needs, the 30-year-old first responder leapt to action, helping the other people hurt in the accident.
“Ignoring any chance she could be injured, Megan immediately exited her mangled vehicle and began providing care to a person trapped by their overturned car,” the department said of the Oct. 3 crash. “Megan stayed with this patient until Squad 213 arrived to free the victim. After all patients were evaluated, Megan agreed to go to the hospital herself.”
23 hours later, Warfield gave birth to her healthy daughter, Charlotte.
In an appearance on NBC’s “Today,” Warfield recalled sitting on the pavement with the victim, who was trapped in the upside-down car, reassuring her and holding her still until paramedics arrived. In total, six people were transported to two local hospitals after the accident.
What an incredible story of heroic selflessness and a wonderful example of how first responders dedicate their lives to saving lives.
This story made the national news but there are many similar stories of heroic actions by our local first responders that go untold.
We need to pray that God will give them strength and supernatural protection each day. And when you see a member of one of your local fire departments or rescue squads out in public, take the time to tell them how much you appreciate their contributions to our community.
A simple “thank you” boosts their morale and our prayers help build a hedge of protection around them daily.