For many years the major coffee outlets such as Tim Hortons and McDonalds have demonstrated respect for first response workers by provided things such as free coffee and sometimes discounts on other items.   Unfortunately, for all this time these front responders being recognized have been firefighters and police officers.   The three core first response units also includes paramedics, the folks who respond to emergency medical care situations, and save human lives, similar to and arguably more as a rule then the exception  as compared to their esteemed counterparts in fire response and police.   Paramedics are not considered worthy of the same considerations and respect to receive a free coffee as their colleagues in police and fire.   Why?   Does the saving of human lives not deserve a similar level of respect in a company ‘free coffee policy’ as those who serve and protect and address damage to property and risk to human lives?   These corporations don’t think so, at least not in their policy, and this doesn’t seem right. 

Lets show due respect to the paramedic professionals who we count on we rely on to look after ourselves and our loved ones and to preserve the most precious things we have - our lives.   Does this not deserve a free coffee on shift as much as those putting out the fires and keeping our communities safe?