Chaplain's Corner April 2025
April 7, 2025
Chaplain’s Corner:
April is often associated with the season of Spring, and with it, new beginnings. This monthly announcement has a new beginning this month, being changed from “Monthly Spiritual Reflection” to “Chaplain’s Corner” to reflect that not everything may be of a spiritual nature. You may find things related to peer support, personal growth, relationships, and more! Hopefully this new format will give you valuable information or at least something encouraging and challenging to consider as you go about your daily duties serving in the department and community. For now, however, you might wonder:
“
Do people’s religious beliefs ever affect their emergency care?”
Yes! A victim may be fasting, eating special foods, or participating in special observances that may impact the care that we give to them. Understanding the traditions and values of fellow members as well as those we serve in the community can make us a more united team in an emergency and better Responder to our fellow citizens. April is an important month for followers of several religious traditions. For example:
Ramadan (Islam) Muslims abstain from food and drink daily from sunrise to sunset. Be mindful of the potential effects of fasting upon Muslim patients in a medical emergency.
Easter (Christian) Many Christians observe periods of fasting during the 40 days leading up to Easter called “Lent”, which may have effects on Christian patients in a medical emergency.
Passover (Judaism) This 8-day holiday includes special meals and remembrances in honor of being freed from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Have a great season of new beginnings! Reach out anytime, I’m here when you need me!
Chaplain Sean Gartland
Seangartland2009@yahoo.com (262) 352-9805