The Power of Presence
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. A cold, brisk February day accented with much welcomed winter sun. The kind of day where you can bundle up a bit, not needing too much, and venture outside. My wife and I finished lunch and went our separate ways to diffuse our stress on hobbies.
In the silence, at 2:24pm, my pager suddenly sounded Station 27 tones for a rescue of a child stuck in a playground swing. As a First Responder Chaplain, I do not respond to every call. I listen carefully to the initial dispatch and updates discerning if my presence and training will be helpful or if yet another person on-scene will be a hindrance. The park where this child was trapped was only a few blocks from my house, less than two minutes away. My mind fluttered between responding and staying put. I know the crews from PMFD 27 are more than capable at handling crisis situations. They’re equipped, professional, and well trained. Then, for some reason, I thought of the parent. What is going through the mind of a parent unable to free their child from a swing and calling 911?
I headed out my wife elbow deep in card making. Arriving I found a Police officer on-scene and a young girl stuck in a swing, the basket kind, where you put your legs through the holes. Grabbing my “go bag” and Chaplain jacket, the Mom met me halfway to the playground. “They’re on their way!” I reassured her. She breathed a big sigh of relief. I greeted Officer Soloe and introduced myself to the child with a large grin and reassuring voice. “Her legs are getting numb and we can’t get them out without hurting her,” the mother said. “I was standing in it and slipped and got stuck,” the child chirped. “Help is coming, and they’ll be here very soon!” I said. Friends of the child stood by recording the event on their phones, giggling as trucks with flashing lights pulled into the park. It reminded me of the scene in A Christmas Story where the young boy gets his tongue stuck to the steel pole, but I didn’t point that out.
Battalion Chief McPherson was first on scene for fire followed shortly by our Commissioner, EMS, and more police. Assessing the situation, McPherson reassured the Mom they’d have her child out momentarily. As fire engines and crews arrived, my presence around the swing became awkward - too many bodies, not enough space. So, moving to an outside perimeter a few feet away, I stood next to the Mom. I made small talk keeping the conversation light and reassuring her as skilled firefighters used really cool tools. Cutting the swing from the chain and releasing the child to freedom, the mother’s countenance lifted. Although the child was embarrassed, she was okay.
As I said goodbye to the Mom, while shaking my extended hand and looking me in the eyes she said, “Thank you! I’ll never forget your face.” Now, I know I’m not very pretty, and I wanted to say something silly and quippy in response, but I caught myself realizing that my simple presence was more important to this mother than I’d realized it might be when I left my house. I did nothing to free the girl; all the credit goes to hydraulics and the firefighters, Police and EMS responders, they’re the real heroes. However, the power of my presence, perhaps even the thought of me leaving my house to stand next to a total stranger in support, meant more to her than I still realize.
As a Chaplain, I hold a sacred position. Not because I’m a person of faith but because I, like other First Responders, tend to victims with compassion and empathy. It’s a humbling position I take very seriously. As Chaplains, our silent presence can make a huge difference to total strangers. Properly trained, Chaplains can be a powerful tool in times of crisis for those standing helpless watching their house burn, or their loved one tended to by EMTs. Chaplains can help bring relief and wellness to Police or Dispatchers after a stressful shift. Chaplains can help diffuse a tense situation, bringing peace in the midst of chaos. There are times to speak and times for quiet; the power of presence can’t be disregarded.
PS: Hats off to all the First Responders on scene! The volunteer firefighters left homes, families, friends and who-knows-what-else to tend to this child. The police and EMS personnel created a safe and comforting atmosphere for both Mom and child. Great job, everyone!