Thursday, May 12, 2016
Ontario Recognizes Outstanding Bravery of Paramedics
Ontario is honouring 21 paramedics from across the province with the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery. Recipients will be honoured in a ceremony Thursday evening at Queen's Park in Toronto.
The paramedics are being recognized for acts of exceptional courage - performed on the job or off duty - in the face of grave, personal danger. Recipients include:- Paramedics who were some of the first responders to the October 2014 shooting on Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial
- Two paramedics who provided care for critically injured firefighters at an active factory fire and explosion
- Two paramedics who witnessed a head-on collision and came to the aid of nine patients at the scene of the accident.
Supporting the work of paramedics is part of the government's plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which is providing patients with faster access to the right care; better home and community care; the information they need to live healthy; and a health care system that is sustainable for generations to come.
Quick Facts- In Ontario, there are three types of paramedics: primary care, advanced care and critical care.
- Paramedics undertake rigorous pre-service training through a two-year college or university training program and are regulated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Background Information
Quotes
“I’m proud to honour these outstanding paramedics through Ontario’s Award for Paramedic Bravery. Paramedics play a critical role in the health and safety of Ontarians, providing life-saving care in highly stressful situations. Today's awards reflect our recognition of paramedics’ exceptional commitment to their communities, our appreciation for their courage, and our gratitude for their selfless service.”
Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“Paramedics play a central role on the front lines of Ontario’s health care system. The province’s Award for Paramedic Bravery not only honours the outstanding bravery of these paramedics, it also provides us with an opportunity to recognize and thank the thousands of paramedics across the province who serve the public every single day.”
Neal Roberts
President of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs and Chief of Superior North Emergency Medical Services
For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline
(Toll-free in Ontario only)
ontario.ca/health-news
1-866-532-3161
|