The Ontario government is honouring paramedics from across the province with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery. The medal is given to paramedics who have demonstrated great courage risking their lives to save the lives of others.
One of those is Paramedic Matt Hickey of the Muskoka Paramedic Services.
On October 25, 2019, Paramedic Matt Hickey and his partner, along with Ontario Provincial Police officers, responded to a house fire. At the scene, they found a house surrounded by thick smoke with a woman holding two children at the second story window.
Despite the threat posed to them by the heavy smoke, Paramedic Hickey, his partner and an OPP officer made their way into the house to rescue the family. Hickey assisted in getting the family to the roof of the home, where the children were handed down to an OPP officer, while their mother was led to the ground by ladder, with the assistance of the fire department.
Hickey assessed the family as they were taken to the hospital, and they avoided serious injuries.
See the full list here.
Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, will present medals to 11 paramedics in a ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum this evening.
"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 the Dumont.
“These awards will help Ontarians learn about the selflessness and heroism demonstrated by the 11 recipients and appreciate their remarkable service."
Recipients are recognized for their individual acts of outstanding bravery. These acts of courage include:
- moving an injured OPP officer out of harm’s way as a vehicle slid uncontrollably towards him during a hazardous snowstorm
- providing care to OPP officers suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds while in an unsafe environment
- removing occupants from a burning car at risk of exploding
- extracting individuals from burning homes while being exposed to potentially deadly smoke
- saving other first responders during a gas line explosion
- providing life-saving care to injured youth while off-duty, not knowing if the assailant was still in the vicinity
“I am honoured to recognize this year’s recipients of the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery for their heroism and dedication to saving lives in the face of danger," said Minister Jones. "These paramedics represent the very best of Ontario and our government is proud to honour them with this prestigious award recognizing their life-saving contributions to the communities they serve.”
While these medal recipients have been selected for their acts of extraordinary selflessness, the government recognizes all paramedics in Ontario have a profound impact on the health and safety of people across the province.
“Paramedics work every day in uncontrolled and changing environments, placing themselves at risk to help others,” said Michael Sanderson, the President of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs. “The paramedics recognized here today inspire each and every one of us with their courage and selfless actions. Congratulations to all recipients on this very well-deserved award.”
