By Emily Holton

Kyle Weir, security guard, Security Services. (Photo by Katie Cooper)

Kyle Weir has been a security guard at St. Michael’s for 10 years. He works nights.

Q. Why did you decide to become a security guard?

I kind of fell into it, but as soon as I started I fell in love. I love the challenges. You go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. You go from helping a woman in labour to giving a homeless person a sandwich. Sometimes you’re in the trauma room, sometimes you’re on the roof to meet a helicopter. It’s exciting. It teaches you about life and what’s important to you. I’m happy to come to work every single night.

Q. Why have you stayed at St. Michael’s for so long?

It’s the people. You need first-class people in a hospital. When we had that bad flood in the Emergency Department, it didn’t matter what your role was, we all pulled together to do whatever was needed at the time. That’s really what I love about St. Mike’s.

You can become whoever you want to be here. If you want to be that hard-working person who moves up the ladder, the management team will help you get there. I plan on staying here for my whole career.

Q. Tell me about an “I love my job” moment you’ve had.

I was at the Queen Street entrance and a woman in labour had driven herself to the hospital but couldn’t make it any farther. I called a Code OB and waited with her, told her it was going to be OK and that help was on the way. The whole OB team came running but she was out of time and they delivered her baby right there. It was miraculous to be part of that moment.

Q. Do your family or friends worry about you while you’re at work?

My wife and my daughter worry sometimes. But I tell them I have lots of good training, and I work with a lot of good people. I tell them if, God forbid, anything bad happens to me… I’m in the right place.

Q. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with the money?

I’ve actually thought about this, and I know exactly what I’d do. My grandmother was my favourite person. She passed away at St. Mike’s a couple of years ago. If I won the lottery, I’d donate some money and create a conference room, a security room or a wing in my grandparents’ name. I’d love to be able to do that one day.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in 27 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.