Norfolk County paramedics were celebrated at a first-of-its-kind awards ceremony.
The Night of Celebration was held on Oct. 26 at the Simcoe Legion to honor paramedic achievement.
“Our paramedics have faced tremendous challenges over the past few years and they continue to rise to the occasion for their patients, their service, and our community,” said Chief Sarah Page. “We are grateful that we had the opportunity to highlight some remarkable achievements tonight, but are truly humbled by the unwavering dedication, compassion and resilience all our Norfolk County paramedics demonstrate on a daily basis.”
Save Awards were given to four paramedics for two emergency calls in 2022, which resulted in the saving of a life when vital signs were absent.
Paramedics Nancy VanVliet and Danny Desmond were honored for an emergency call where their patient’s heart stopped in the back of an ambulance. Their quick actions and skills revived him before his arrival at the hospital.
Paramedics Sharon Green and Wendy Stewart were honored for their work during a call in May when a patient collapsed. A neighbor initiated CPR and, with the assistance of Norfolk County Firefighters, the patient was revived.
Lindsey Kincaid, the neighbor involved, received Norfolk County’s Lifesaving Recognition, as well as a special national award from St. John Ambulance – the Silver Lifesaving Award.
Presented by Don Denne, chair of the board of directors for St. John Ambulance Southwestern Ontario, and Andrew Gough (with his service dog Riggs), Kincaid received St. John Ambulance Honors for selflessly jumping in to assist her neighbour, performing CPR until emergency responders arrived, then assisting and supporting the family throughout the incident.
Norfolk County Fire Department Station 2 Port Dover Deputy District Chief Ken Shepherd, Captain Lee Bertrand, and Captain Chris Lombardo will be honored on Nov. 3 as they were unable to attend the celebration.
Also among the award recipients were paramedics receiving Norfolk County Years of Service Awards for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years.
Paramedics Robert Coyle and Darren Bailey received a 30-year bar for their Governor General Exemplary Service Medals.
Retirees Darren Bailey (34 years), Elaine Meadows (30 years), and Brandon Wise (24 years of part-time work) were honored for their dedicated service to Norfolk County.
OPSEU Local 279 president Devon Lansdell and vice president Jenny Townsend presented the retirees with a gift on behalf of their fellow paramedics and the union.
The Stork Award was given to paramedics Johane Borris and Jacob Malevich for safely assisting in delivering a baby on a call.
The Center for Paramedic Education and Research Quality of Care Award was given to Kari Maxin. This award is peer-nominated for excellence in patient care, compassionate service and patient advocacy.
Preceptors, who mentor college students in the primary care paramedic program throughout their required ride-out/road shifts, received awards. They are Les Block, Corrie Cowell, Adam Brown, Ellen Kempmann and Brittany Garner.
Also celebrated were those paramedics who volunteered throughout the year with public relations activities, school presentations, a fundraising drive for Ukraine, and holiday food and toy drives. Those honored were Shane Lucier, Sarah Muskiluke and Amanda Rockery.
Service recommendations include:
- Samantha Pacheco – Community paramedicine program champion and leadership, volunteering, compassionate delivery of care to all patients, peer support involvement.
- Jeff Mullin – Health and safety champion, COVID-19 assistance, acting commander role, volunteering, community paramedicine program work, peer support involvement and organization of food drives.
- Patrick Quinn – professional advocacy for all his peers, on several committees, excellence in patient care and documentation, peer support involvement.
- Jenny Townsend – champion of mental health and wellness for paramedics, peer support lead and union leadership.
- Cori Kennedy – administrative assistant – for extraordinary patience, unsung hero behind the scenes.