First responders from throughout the Nipissing District were recognized for their work at this year’s annual EMS Symposium in North Bay last week.
More than 200 EMS personnel from across the province were in attendance.
Among them:
- six people were awarded with ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation – restoring a pulse and breathing after cardiac arrest before arriving at the hospital),
- five Stork Awards (for paramedics who helped deliver babies prior to arrival at hospital), and
- nine volunteers who work as Emergency Field Response Team. The EFRT’s manage an emergency situation until paramedics arrive and usually live in rural areas where response times may take longer. Out of the nine volunteers, five of the volunteer members were also recognized for 20 years of service with the EFRT. They include Yvette Rochefort fro Field and Chris Perry from the Phelps EFRT, and Larry Brandridge and Bertha and Garnet Green from the Field EFRT.
DNSSAB EMS Chief, and organizer of the event, Jean Guy Belzile, says, it’s important to recognize exceptional events in the line of duty.
“The work done by paramedics is very valuable, but equally so is the EFRT volunteers’ incredible dedication to their community to take the necessary training and be available when help is needed.”
The EMS Symposium is an annual event for Emergency Medical Services personnel hosted by the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board.
