Kuan Kim, revered throughout Asia for thousands of years, is the Chinese goddess of infinite mercy and compassion.  Her name means “she who listens to the sounds of suffering in the world.” In the Buddhist tradition she is an aspect of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva who sprang from one of the Buddha’s tears.  She once took the form Miao Shan, a woman who was spurned by her father for refusing to marry; later, Miao Shan sacrificed both arms and legs in order to heal her father.  Her appeal is particularly widespread because she gives assistance in this world: she provides earthly blessings to children, as well as health and long life. She rescues people from injury, suffering and despair.  She is particularly a protector of women. Kuan Yin is a symbol of unlimited compassion that anyone can have for themselves and others.

The pager sounds: “Cardiac distress – difficulty breathing.” The washer lid slams down. The fire under half-cooked dinner for four is turned off.  She is out the door mounting her ‘Radio Flyer’. The engine roars to life; pistons flying, blue lights flashing, rubber humming against the pavement. Little grey woodland creatures running for their lives, leaping to trees and branches, hearts pounding, eyes bugging. In a flash the Flyer fades in the distance. The furry creatures, tails twitching, retreat to their safe spaces to recover their wits.

A moment later she is there at the scene, dismounts the Flyer, slings her medical bag over her shoulder and heads inside. Inside, her calm demeanor and friendly voice reassures the victim while her eyes, ears and hands go about assessing and providing essential immediate medical care. Before long the ambulance arrives, the patient is loaded onto the stretcher, into the ambulance, and is en route to the hospital.  Back outside, she pulls a container of disinfectant wipes from the backseat of the Flyer and begins to wipe down her hands and all that has been touched or used. The scene now secure, she heads home to finish the laundry and dinner.

The pager sounds: “Car vs Pedestrian.” And she is there.

The Pager sounds: “Vehicle rollover.”  And she is there.

The Pager sounds: “Structure fire.”  And she is there.

The Pager sounds: “Possible overdose.” And she is there.

Her boys need encouragement or help with homework.  And she is there.

Her boys need dental care. And she is there.

She only needs one word to describe her days: Wacky.

Stacy Gendreau has been a volunteer EMT with both Hampton and Chaplin Fire Departments for 27 years. When not being “there,” she is a busy Mom, renovating her home and looking after her family, and her bees.  Soon she will be completing the set-up of her art studio and unleashing creative drive on the world.  There is a well-founded rumor that Stacey is a direct descendant of Kuan Yin. Be like Stacey.

During the month of February, Hampton Fire Company members responded to 17 emergency dispatches, attended two training sessions and two administrative meetings. Just over 200 man-hours were logged.  Meetings and training sessions are held on Wednesday evenings at 7 o’clock.  New members are needed and welcome.  And the pager sounded.

Firehouse Dog