In early September, two-year-old Poppy required transport from Belleville General Hospital to Kingston General Hospital.
 
Poppy had been experiencing respiratory issues, and her doctors in both pediatric units decided that air transport would provide the best and fastest care. For her and her family, it was an overwhelming situation. But thanks to the dedication and compassion of our medics, Mark and Gary, that night was made just a little bit easier.
 
As a mother watching her child go through such an experience, Ashley, Poppy’s mom, described how difficult it was to see her daughter moved from bed to stretcher and then into the helicopter. “She is only two years old, so this was all overwhelming for her,” Ashley shared. But Mark and Gary showed incredible patience, talking and playing with Poppy, even looking for a small stuffed animal to comfort her during the flight.
 
One special touch that stood out was how they used Poppy’s stuffed animal, Tigger, as part of the care process. “Everything they did to Poppy, they did with her stuffy first, so she wasn’t as afraid,” Ashley said. It’s the little things that make a big difference in situations like this, and our medics understood that perfectly.
 
Ashley also expressed her appreciation for how Mark and Gary made sure she was comfortable and informed throughout the flight. As a first-time mother, knowing that her daughter was in good hands and that she, too, was supported during the journey made all the difference. “They explained everything in detail and even checked in with me during the flight to make sure that I was okay as well,” she recalled.
 
From the ambulance rides to and from the helicopter to the flight itself, Poppy received the highest level of care and compassion. “I will always be grateful for how they treated my little girl,” Ashley said.
 
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the OCC for their coordination of Poppy's transportation. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our skilled pilots Stephen and Sean.

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• Patients and Families