Public safety - It plays a critical part in ensuring residents of any community have the opportunity to live well and reach their personal full potential.  Public safety is about protecting the general public and prioritizing an individual's physical safety.  First Responders - including firefighters, police officers and paramedics - are most often providing the hands-on support that makes any community physically safe. 

The individuals who protect and serve their communities are professionals dedicated to being their best with each situation they face.  In honour of International Women's Day and together with the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Central York Fire Services, and York Region Paramedic Services, we are excited to again present four female emergency first responders who represent their professions with honour and distinction.  We invite you to read each of their stories and learn more about how their aspirations, motivations, celebrations and strong ethic of caring for themselves and others have shaped their respective careers.

 

 

More Her First Responder Stories:

INSPIRE - Meet YRP Sergeant Robyn Kassam - Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

INSPIRE - Meet CYFS Captain Tamara Roitman - Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

INSPIRE - Meet OPP Constable Nicola Morris - Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

 

Introducing Crystal Wong  - York Region Paramedic

 

 

Q: How long have you been a first responder?

A: I have been a paramedic for 16 years.

 

Q: Did you grow up wanting to be a first responder?

A: When I was young, I was not aware of what paramedics did. It was only after watching a television show called Third Watch that the profession piqued my interest. I liked how paramedics were out in the community helping people in their time of need.

 

 

Q: Where did you go to school to learn to be a first responder?

A: I completed the University of Toronto’s joint Paramedicine Program with Centennial College. I began working as a paramedic while finishing the final year of my undergraduate degree.

 

Q: What has been the highlight of your career?

A: The highlight of my career has been working alongside brilliant women. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I would like to recognize and acknowledge the women whom I have met and have had the privilege of working with. They have provided me with pivotal moments in my career and without them, I would not be the paramedic I am today. These women have offered me their unwavering support, lessons on how to navigate barriers and opportunities that may not have otherwise been available. 

Another highlight of my career is being part of the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee as well as the External Violence Against Paramedics Committee. Through this work, I hope to offer others the same support I received. I strive to create a society where the delivery of healthcare is equitable, where receiving healthcare means the same to everyone. I want the world to keep evolving so everyone can have a better life. 

 

 

Q: What do you do to keep physically fit and take care of your mental wellbeing?

A: Rock climbing helps keep me physically fit and keeps my mental health in check. I often rock climb with coworkers, and I find that during this time together we discuss our experiences and support each other. Rock climbing has taught me perseverance, resilience and mindfulness, all important factors of healthy mental well-being. 

There is significantly more education and understanding around mental health compared to when I first started as a paramedic. Because of this, I have learned a lot about myself and the importance of having a support system in place. I am fortunate to have a great support network of friends that I can rely on as well as access to our Service’s Peer Support Team.

 

Q: What’s your favourite thing to do outside of being a first responder? 

A: Outside of being a paramedic, I enjoy being outdoors and I am always looking to try new activities. During the warmer seasons, you'll find me paddleboarding, cycling, hiking and camping. In the winter, I enjoy snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. I love traveling and immersing myself in other cultures. I also love spending time with my young nephews.

 

 

Enjoy more first responder stories: 

INSPIRE - 2nd Annual IWD First Responder Community Event 2023

York Region Community Open House - Celebrating First Responders and IWD 2022

 

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