The Ontario government has awarded the Medal for Paramedic Bravery to some local paramedics, acknowledging their acts of exceptional courage in the line of duty.
This year’s recipients include five heroic paramedics from the Middlesex-London Paramedic Services (MLPS).
On the night of August 14, 2019, Paramedics David Jeffries and Philip Adams responded to a call in London where a vehicle had crashed into a home, rupturing a gas line that subsequently ignited. The resulting explosion devastated several homes and injured numerous people, including first responders.
Amidst the chaos and danger, Jeffries and Adams maintained their composure, triaging, treating, and transporting the injured police and fire personnel. Their bravery and quick actions ensured that all six first responders and one civilian received timely medical attention and survived.
Another act of valor occurred on December 11, 2020. Deputy Chief Adam Bennett, Advanced Care Paramedic Josh Hill, and Operations Superintendent Michael Hurst were called to a partially collapsed residential building under construction. Despite the imminent risk of further collapse, the trio entered the dangerous site. Bennett and Hurst coordinated the extraction and transport of trapped workers, while Hill provided critical care to a severely injured worker. Though two workers tragically lost their lives, the paramedics’ efforts led to the safe rescue of five others.
Middlesex County Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson praised the paramedics, stating, “Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to their duty, often in the face of uncertainty and danger, is both humbling and inspiring. They truly represent the best of our County.”
Written by: B. Shakyaver