Ontario Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont and Health Minister Sylvia Jones Recognize 11 Paramedics for Their Bravery

Ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum

On Monday evening, Ontario Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont and Health Minister Sylvia Jones recognized 11 paramedics for their bravery at a ceremony held at the Royal Ontario Museum. The recipients of the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery hailed from various regions, including Simcoe County, Manitoulin-Sudbury, Middlesex-London, Muskoka, Rainy River, United Counties of Prescott and Russell, and York Region.

Honoring Courage and Selflessness

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to shine a light on the bravery of our province’s paramedics. They face dangerous situations that require a great deal of courage, and their actions help create more caring communities,” said Dumont in a news release. “These awards will help Ontarians learn about the selflessness and heroism demonstrated by the 11 recipients and appreciate their remarkable service.”

Heroic Stories of the Award Recipients

Simcoe County

Primary care paramedic Geoff D’Eon of County of Simcoe Paramedic Services received the award following a bad snowstorm on January 13. While driving with his family along Horseshoe Valley Road in Oro-Medonte, he encountered a vehicle collision. D’Eon found an injured OPP officer lying on the roadway and pulled him to safety, preventing further harm.

York Region

Primary care paramedic Taylor Collins of York Region Paramedic and Senior Services was awarded for her actions on September 9, 2023. After witnessing a car erupt into flames following a head-on collision, Collins helped an off-duty firefighter rescue individuals from the burning vehicle, despite the life-threatening risks.

Muskoka

Paramedic Matt Hickey of Muskoka Paramedic Services received his award for his bravery during a house fire on October 25, 2019. Hickey, his partner, and an OPP officer rescued a family from a smoke-filled house, ensuring their safety and providing medical assessment as they were transported to the hospital.

Manitoulin-Sudbury

Primary care paramedic Sarah Stagg of Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board Paramedic Services was honored for her actions on June 14, 2023. Off-duty at the time, Stagg responded to a commotion outside her home, providing life-saving measures to two victims of an assault until paramedics arrived.

Middlesex-London

Paramedic David Jeffries of Middlesex-London Paramedic Services was recognized for his response to a vehicle crash on August 14, 2019. Despite a massive explosion caused by a damaged gas line, Jeffries triaged, treated, and transported injured first responders and civilians, ensuring their survival.

Rainy River

Paramedics Syed Ali and Raphaël Désautels of Rainy River District Paramedic Service received their medals for their actions during a residential fire on March 20, 2023. They risked their lives by entering a smoke-filled home to rescue an individual, providing immediate care and transport to the hospital.

United Counties of Prescott and Russell

Advanced care paramedics Yan Bellefeuille and Jean-François Fillion, along with primary care paramedics Stéphane Huppé and Christian Larochelle, were awarded for their bravery on May 11, 2023. They responded to a 911 call involving a gunshot wound and provided life-saving care to injured officers under dangerous conditions, ensuring their safe transport to a trauma center.These stories highlight the extraordinary courage and dedication of Ontario’s paramedics, whose actions have saved lives and demonstrated remarkable bravery.