What Is A "Hug-A-Bear"
What is a "Hug-A-Bear", and are they effective? Several years ago, the Fire Service, and various law enforcement agencies discovered that providing teddy bears to injured and traumatized children at the incident scene had a profound calming effect on the child. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District implemented the "Hug-A-Bear" program and it continues to this day. They are provided solely by donations to our Fire District.
Three bears are carried on each engine, and the firefighter gives a bear to the child on scene. This is done on accident scenes, child medical calls, and even calls where perhaps the child is not the focus, but grandma is ill or a family member injured. This is upsetting to a young child and the bears are a cuddly focal point. |
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Donations
The Public Education Unit accepts donations of teddy bears from organized groups and individuals on an on-going basis. The bears should be new, and to best fit on the engines, 10 to 14 inches tall. This is a most welcome donation from an office, a church group, an auxiliary group or even individual citizens who want to support the Hug-A-Bear program. To donate, or for more information, please contact the Public Education Unit at 925-941-3327.
Does the "Hug-A-Bear" program work? See for yourself!!! |
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