First Responders Provide Peace of Mind During the Holidays

Data reported in 2018 show that more than 28 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in California each year. The Los Angeles region receives the most calls, with 8.5 million fielded by 79 regional call centers.

In spite of the pervasive message of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All, it is the holidays when there is a significant spike in 9-1-1 calls for emergency assistance. It seems the myriad celebrations, with increased food and beverages and less-than-safe holiday decorations, as well as crowded highways and the general stress inherent in all that celebrating, there unavoidably follows a greater need for assistance from first responders. It has long been recognized that there is a pattern of increased deadly heart attacks during the winter holiday season.

Many of us think of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters and police when we think of first responders. The U.S. First Responders Association lists more than 80 categories of first responders—basically the officials who run toward rather than away from emergency situations. The majority of first responders, however, are individuals with specialized training who are the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency. Their jobs are frequently challenging and dangerous and involve long shifts that include holidays and weekends.

So who are these selfless individuals, and why do they do it?

First responders are people with a desire to serve their communities, and they tend to be highly satisfied with the demanding jobs they do. In California, 80 percent of firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMTs are credentialed at a California community college. More than 40 California community colleges offer administration of justice programs and 60 plus colleges have fire technology programs. Most of these programs are offered at your local community college.

This holiday season, your heart may leap with joy as you open that long dreamed of gift or the sight of your family and acquaintances coming together in love and friendship. But if your heart leaps for a less healthy, more ominous reason, it’s good to know that help is just a 9-1-1 call away. While first responders contribute to Peace on Earth in our communities, they contribute even more to our peace of mind during the holidays.

About the Author:

Dr. Edward C. Ortell is the senior governing board member at Citrus College and a Professor Emeritus at Pasadena City College. He has served on the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) state board of directors and 11 terms as president of the Citrus College Board of Trustees.