Ontario is honouring 13 paramedics from across the province, including two from Parry Sound, with the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery in Toronto tonight.
The award is given to paramedics who have displayed exceptional acts of courage, whether performed on- or off-duty, within the last 24 months. Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott will be presenting the awards to 13 paramedics in a ceremony at Queen’s Park this evening, honouring seven recipients from 2017 and six recipients from 2018. Paramedics Jason Bailey and Noah Parkin from the Parry Sound District Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be recognized for an attempted water rescue in July 2016.
“Paramedics play an important role in communities across Ontario by providing people and families with care, help and support in times of urgent need,” Elliott said. “I am honoured to recognize the 13 recipients today, who have demonstrated exceptional care in dangerous and often life-threatening circumstances.”
Paramedics Bailey and Parkin responded to reports of a man diving into the Magnetawan River in Burk’s Falls and not resurfacing on July 19, 2016. They both jumped into the water to rescue the man when they arrived on scene and, after several dive attempts, Bailey found him and pulled him to the surface. Along with three OPP constables, the paramedics brought the man to shore and immediately started performing CPR. The man succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Other recipients are being recognized for actions including helping multiple gunshot victims while off-duty, saving a victim from drowning and hypothermia, and rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle.
“Today’s ceremony recognizes the courage and professionalism that Ontario’s paramedics demonstrate each and every day,” said Neal Roberts, chief of the Middlesex London Paramedic Service and president of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs. “Through these selfless acts of bravery that are being recognized, all Ontario residents can be confident knowing that paramedics will always be there in their time of greatest need.”
To read more about tonight’s recipients, click here.
