Patients of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children Visit & Tour Bayside Fire Department
Patients in St. Mary’s Pediatric Day Healthcare Program (PDHC) had an opportunity to meet real life heroes who risk their lives to protect others- the firefighters of Engine 320, Ladder 167 in Bayside.
St. Mary’s kids, some of whom have dreams of becoming a firefighter one day, observed firsthand how a real fire station works from handling the fire trucks, to preparing the equipment, and responding to real live calls.
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is one of the region’s premier providers of post-acute pediatric care for children with special needs, and the PDHC program offers therapeutic and medical after-school, weekend, and summer programs for children 5-18 years of age, and young adults from 18-25 years of age who have cognitive and physical disabilities.
The tour to the local fire station was just one of the many educational goals the program promotes through workshops and field trips that teach patients valuable life-building skills and help encourage confidence and independence.
Bayside firefighters gave St. Mary’s kids a tour on the fire trucks, taught them all about the equipment used to put out fires, and practiced fire safety techniques.
St. Mary’s kids even got to experience the hustle and bustle of responding to a call as their tour ended with the siren’s signaling, firefighters strapping on their gear, starting their engines and riding off quickly to save lives.
The Bayside firefighters have developed a unique relationship with St. Mary’s patients over the years as they often drop by and visit with their favorite neighborhood kids. During the holidays, the local heroes make it a point to help brighten the lives of patients by making a special visit with Santa himself, bearing presents and toys to distribute to patients and families.
