Who we are, what we do

Alissa Bender, Advanced Care Paramedic: What motivated me most to become a Paramedic was a strong desire to help people in their most vulnerable moments. Being out in the field and engaging directly with people is where I feel most fulfilled. It's not just a job — it’s a calling. Being able to make a real impact in people’s lives every day is what keeps me passionate and motivated about this profession. I take pride in being that steady presence during chaos. The idea of being the calm in the storm isn’t just a metaphor for me; it’s a mindset that I bring to every situation. There’s no greater honour than being trusted with someone's life during a critical moment, and that responsibility is something I take to heart every day. From the moment I started this career, I knew I had found the path that I was meant to pursue that aligns with my purpose, strengths and goals. One of the most memorable moments I’ve had as a paramedic was about being present for someone in deep grief. We were called to a home where an elderly man had gone into cardiac arrest. Despite our best efforts, he didn’t survive. His wife was there, heartbroken but composed in a way that only someone who’s lived a full life can be. While my team handled the necessary procedures, I went into the other room with the wife to offer comfort and a shoulder to cry on. She ended up pulling out a photo album that she created with her husband to show their life journey together. She sat beside me, opened it, and began telling me their story. We laughed, we cried, and for a while, it felt like time had stopped. That experience reminded me that being a paramedic isn’t just about saving lives — it’s about standing beside people when life ends or simply being there in the moments they need someone most. Being there for someone in their pain, bearing witness to their story — it’s a quiet kind of service that stays with you.