We know their use of the fire hose and extinguisher, hammer and shovel… But did you know that firefighters also know how to handle syringes?
This is the case of Cyril Bernard, volunteer firefighter with the departmental emergency and fire service of Seine-et-Marne (Sdis 77) since 2007. He is also a hospital nurse.
As such, this 50-year-old did not hesitate to come and vaccinate against Covid-19 the seniors registered in the campaign organized this weekend at the Sdis 77 gymnasium in Melun.
In a context of high tension in hospitalizations of intensive care patients in Ile-de-France, the two days of vaccination offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the firefighters in Melun count.
The crowd is growing: 420 people registered on the weekend of March 6 and 7, 348 this Saturday March 13 and around 300 this Sunday… At the rate of 30 people vaccinated per hour on three different lines, each person able to sting counts!
"This gives a new image of firefighters!"
“I really like my job, I like people a lot.
I feel very invested in containing this pandemic if we want to have a good summer and a good Christmas… History shows the effectiveness of vaccines against tuberculosis, smallpox, etc.
This mission, for me, is gratifying.
This helps to give a new image of firefighters!
Enthuses this convinced man, like others.
But the approach may surprise.
“Recently, a gentleman told me that he found it interesting to be made available to the public for vaccination.
He didn't think it was possible.
"
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And he continues: “At Sdis 77, we have 205 members of the health and medical care service (3SM), 80% of whom are volunteer firefighters!
When we are asked about vaccination devices for our fellow firefighters and the general public, we respond favorably.
If it weren't for the availability of volunteers, it would have been difficult to set up such a device!
"
"Some have driven 50 km to come"
In addition to the "technicality to have to take the right quantity of vaccine", Cyril Bernard appreciates the relations with the people, even if each interview in his cabin lasts three minutes.
“Some come from the surrounding area, but others have traveled 50 km to come!
The people are generally friendly, encouraging and above all grateful: they say that it will allow them to try a new life by seeing their children, their grandchildren ”, assures the fifty-something.
According to one of her colleagues, “last weekend, the 99-year-old dean of registrants was very moved and happy to finally be able to see her great-grandchildren again!
"
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A guestbook placed at the exit of the vaccination center summarizes the state of mind of the patients, delighted with the welcome, the friendliness and the organization of the firefighters.
"And all these uniforms, it's very nice," we also read.
Melun, Saturday March 13.
Organization, friendliness and warm welcome are greeted in this guestbook by people vaccinated by firefighters.
LP / Sophie Bordier
Annie, 73, welcomes this initiative of the firefighters.
“They have a good organization, master the movements, it's a great help!
I registered this Friday evening on Doctolib.
I am not 75 years old.
My doctor gave me a prescription because I had lymphoma and I'm here today!
I warned two friends who live on the outskirts of Loiret and they will be vaccinated here tomorrow.
If this center had not opened… ”
She smiled as she thought of Cyril Bernard kneeling near her shoulder to vaccinate her.
“Having a firefighter on my knees at my age, I can only be happy!
She jokes.