Your Voice: Health workers, first responders, ICBC – they all treated me so well after my motorcycle accident in BC's Interior

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We often hear about how our medical system is failing and ICBC services are crap, but I have a story to counter those perceptions. It may only be one story, but it is mine. In late August I had a motorcycle accident while passing by Spences Bridge. As I slowly recover from my multiple injuries I need to thank the many people who helped and cared for me.

The people of Spences Bridge: thank you to the first responders who arrived so quickly, packaged me up and smoothly carried me from the ditch to the ambulance, the ambulance attendants who apologized before cutting the thousands of dollars worth of protective gear off me so they could assess my injuries, and to the air ambulance crew who calmly transported me to the Kamloops Trauma Centre (how did you get on-site so quickly?).

I also have to include Roy, who took my bike in his care and walked the crash site gathering the belongings that were strewn through the sage brush.

And the staff at the Packing House Cafe who refused payment when my wife and daughter came to collect my belongings while I underwent hip surgery (five days later). All of you: your kindness did not go unnoticed and I could never thank you enough.

The staff of the Kamloops Trauma Center: thank you to every single person in the hospital who greeted me with a smile and talked me through every step. This includes the porters, cleaners, food services staff, care aids, nurses (especially the nurses!), the doctors and surgeons (remember me?: the guy you did a double take on because I had no visible injuries or road rash), the psychologist, the physio and occupational therapists.

The kindness, empathy, gentle handling, and maintenance of dignity you gave me was above and beyond "doing your job." I hope your management understands, respects, and recognizes the quality of service you are providing. I stayed with you for over three weeks and your service never wavered.

From Kamloops I was airlifted closer to home. My care was passed from ambulance crew, to air-ambulance crew (including some lifting by the pilot), to another ambulance crew, all with the same standard of care I had received in Kamloops. Thank you.

My final destination (sort of) was Victoria General Hospital. While it seemed odd that the ambulance entrance is actually the main public entrance to the hospital... ahhh ok. I ended up on the 5th floor, room 501 where my care continued to be exceptional. How does hospital staff deal with the pain, tears, sometimes anger, wiping people's bums and yet still greet you with a smile, a gentle touch, moments of heartfelt conversation?

How do they not lose their perspective on humanity? Thank you to these very special people.

And then there is ICBC. They were there from the start: they assigned people to my case in just a couple days, coordinated with the hospital, made arrangements for the eventual transition to home, had my home equipped before I got here, and they continue to tend to my evolving needs. The support they provided to my wife was unwavering. What more could a person ask for?

This is a long letter, but it is a long list of people who have been there for me. "Thank you" will never be enough.