Terminal patients often have a place that holds special meaning to them- a place they would like to visit one last time.  

On a fall day in 1994 an AMR crew was taking a man from the hospital to his home in Woodland Park.  He was a hospice patient diagnosed with terminal cancer and going home to die.  The man expressed to the EMT the one thing he would really like to see were the changing aspens.  The EMT knew “the perfect spot”.  It was a bit off the beaten path, but not too far.  Upon arrival, the crew took him out of the ambulance on the cot and they viewed what I am sure was the most amazing aspen view this man had ever seen.  Then they took him home.  It was this fifteen minutes out of a routine transfer that began this incredible program.

Sentimental Journey is such a different concept for many EMS personnel.  Where the main focus is generally to save someone’s life, or do whatever it takes to make the patient stable, when a crew volunteers for a journey, they can actually enjoy time with a patient and not have to be concerned with their “normal” protocol.  One of the pioneers of this program said “I was focusing on the disease the patient had instead of what kind of patient had the disease.  I was depriving myself of putting my compassion to work.  What I didn’t understand at the time was that these people were very much alive and seeking only to live their remaining days with dignity”.  Most crew members would agree that they are very fortunate to be allowed to share in such an intimate moment.

Over the years AMR Colorado Springs has provided hundreds of Sentimental Journeys.  A few examples include many trips to Cripple Creek, up to the top of Pikes Peak, coaching two son’s little league t-ball game, a behind the scenes visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, to a daughters graduation.  Last spring two of our patients had a chance to cheer on the Rockies at Coors Field.  Some are as simple as going to their home to sit for a couple of hours or out to dinner.  The impact this has on patients and families are immeasurable.  They are overwhelmed at the generosity and caring of all involved.

Though started in Colorado Springs, news of Sentimental Journey has spread nationwide.   AMR and Pikes Peak Hospice are often asked by other agencies how they start such a program in their community and we willingly share all the information. 

AMR donates all costs associated with providing Sentimental Journey.  Please support AMR so they can continue this wonderful and unique program to enrich the lives of terminally ill people in our area.