Saving lives is part of the job for firefighters and on the morning of June 18, Greater Victoria firefighters answered the call to protect the tiniest and most fragile members of society.
The region’s fire department made a “life-saving” contribution with a $37,000 donation to the Victoria General Hospital (VGH), helping fund a state-of-the-art Giraffe OmniBed Carestation.
The donation, part of a $250,000, 10-year pledge by the Professional Firefighters of Greater Victoria, includes the charitable foundations of the Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt and Oak Bay fire departments.
This is their second pledge toward pediatric and neonatal care.
“Our local firefighters’... compassion, generosity and unwavering support have funded vital equipment for the infants and children being cared for at VGH,” said Victoria Hospitals Foundation director of philanthropy Colleen Bronson.
The Giraffe OmniBed Carestation, used in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), creates a womb-like environment for critically ill and premature newborns while supporting urgent medical interventions.
“This equipment allows babies to stay in the same warm healing environment throughout their stay, which causes less stress, fewer disruptions, and more comfort during the most vulnerable days of a newborn's life,” said Tara Mulcaster, neonatal intensive care unit manager.
Victoria General Hospital is home to one of only four high-level NICUs in the province and serves as the referral centre for maternity and pediatric care on Vancouver Island. With over 3,000 babies born at VGH each year, approximately one in six babies requires time in neonatal intensive care and uses specialized equipment like the OmniBed.
“Every year, thousands of children and newborns receive life-saving treatment here,” said Bronson. “They have access to world-class care right here at home because of donors like (our firefighters).”
Representatives from the region’s fire departments were present for the cheque presentation.
“It is really quite an honour and so humbling to come here and see all of the brave kids who are going through treatments up in the NICU,” he said. “It's such a clear and positive reminder for why we started this donation, why we continue on with this pledge, and as I say, it is a privilege to be here to do that today.”
For Anders Yee, this donation is living proof that support like this can truly save and change lives. Born seven weeks early at just three pounds, 16 ounces, he spent 35 days in the NICU, where specialized care helped him become the healthy and happy 10-year-old he is today, said his mom Susanna.
“I can't say enough about the fantastic care we received during our time in the NICU,” she said. “These types of equipment advances really put a parent's mind at rest and make such a big difference.
“Being the mother of a premature baby was stressful, but I was comforted by the fact that he would always have exceptional care.”
