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Burk's Falls paramedics honoured for bravery

Paramedics responded to reports of a man diving into the Magnetawan River in Burk's Falls but did not resurface
ambulance 3
File photo.

Thirteen paramedics are being recognized for courageous actions performed on the job or off-duty and two are from Burk's Falls.

Award recipients were selected from nominations submitted in 2017 and 2018. 

On July 19, 2016, Paramedics Jason Bailey and Noah Parkin responded to reports of a man diving into the Magnetawan River in Burk's Falls but not resurfacing.

When they arrived at the scene, both paramedics jumped into the water to rescue the man. After several dive attempts, Bailey found the man and pulled him to the surface. Together, with three OPP constables, the paramedics brought the man to shore and immediately began CPR.

The man succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

This award is given to paramedics who have displayed exceptional acts of courage — performed on the job or off-duty — in the face of grave, personal danger.

See the complete list here.

Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier will present the awards to the paramedics in a ceremony at Queen's Park in Toronto this evening, honouring seven recipients from 2017 and six recipients from 2018.

"Paramedics play an important role in communities across Ontario by providing people and families with care, help and support in times of urgent need," said Elliott. "I am honoured to recognize the 13 recipients today, who have demonstrated exceptional care in dangerous and often life-threatening circumstances. I want to thank them for their bravery, as well as thank every paramedic across Ontario for their service."

The recipients are being recognized for their individual acts of courage, including: helping multiple gunshot victims while off-duty; saving a victim from drowning and hypothermia; rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle; and protecting their team from a man wielding a knife.

Since its inauguration in 2015, 60 paramedics have received the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery.

There are over 8,800 paramedics currently employed in Ontario, the largest group of paramedics in Canada.


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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