Our Stories

When paramedics arrived at the assisted-living home, the woman sitting on the edge of her bed wouldn’t meet their eyes. She was breathing fast, hands trembling, overwhelmed by the noise and movement around her. A routine transfer had suddenly become a distressing experience until one of the paramedics gently offered her a small, brightly coloured fidget toy. Within minutes, her shoulders relaxed, her gaze steadied, and the fear that had filled the room eased.

It wasn’t medication or machinery that made the difference. It was a simple item from a new dementia support kit now carried on ambulances across Medavie Health Services (MHS) West – Central Alberta.

Each item is chosen to help reduce anxiety and gently engage patients living with dementia, who can become overwhelmed by loud noises, fast-moving environments, and rapid-fire questions.

The idea began with Wolf Creek Primary Care Network (PCN), which was working to build a dementia-friendly community in Innisfail, Alberta. When local paramedics were invited to participate, their feedback helped shape small but meaningful kits that now support frontline crews across the region.

“One patient became agitated during a transport, but a simple fidget toy helped settle them,” one paramedic shared. “Another enjoyed a crossword and visibly relaxed. We’re even joking about renaming them ‘Boredom Boxes’ or ‘Fidget Trunks’ because they’re helping in ways we didn’t expect.” 

For one paramedic, the initiative is deeply personal. 
“My mother has Alzheimer’s. We use similar items at home when she’s agitated or sad. They work — and I knew they could help others too.”

A small tool with big impact

The dementia kits may be small, but they highlight the compassionate, thoughtful role paramedics play both in emergencies and in moments of quiet care.

This initiative is a powerful reminder that paramedics do more than respond to crises — they bring comfort, reduce fear, and meet people exactly where they are, with empathy at the heart of every call.