Military service honours awarded to paramedics

Tim May, an advance paramedic at Parkland Ambulance and sergeant medical technician with the Canadian Armed Forces said it’s an honour to be recognized, but it’s about much more than that.

“I knew from my childhood that I was going to serve either my community, my province or my country in uniform.” he said. “I got recognized and I appreciate that, but it’s not what I do it for.”

May joined the reserves, taking his EMT course simultaneously. Soon, he said, he was offered two jobs, one at MD Ambulance in Saskatoon and one a tour of duty in Bosnia with the military.

He chose to go to Bosnia.

When he returned to Canada, MD ambulance hired him on. After three years, his family relocated to Prince Albert and he was hired at Parkland Ambulance. That was six years ago.

“Here I am, still serving in the reserves, still proud of my service,” said May.

Trevor Dutchak, CEO of Parkland Ambulance said he was happy to see his staff honoured.

“When they get recognized by their peers, and yesterday with the provincial awards it just makes us that much happier and it just shows the appreciation for the staff,” he said.

As far as those who were recognized, Dutchak said he was very proud of all they have accomplished.

“We very much support the Canadian forces and the reservists,” he said. “For them to give their time to be away from their family is huge, so that we have this opportunity to be able to speak freely and to be able to come and go as we want.”

“So when we saw that there was an opportunity for these pins, we jumped on it, to make sure they realize how much we appreciate it too.”

Dutchak stressed how dedicated the entire team is, especially considering the workload.

“Our service is just as busy as Toronto on a per capita basis,” said Dutchak. “So when you think about how many resources are on in Toronto, our paramedics in Prince Albert do just as many calls as Toronto and Calgary.”

The rest of Paramedic Services Week will continue with more presentations and celebrations at Parkland Ambulance. If you’re wondering if it’s a good opportunity to take the time to thank a paramedic, Dutchak said they want to go further than that.

“We try and do that on a regular basis. It’s not just one week, it’s 52 weeks that they work,” he said smiling.

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

Military service honours awarded to paramedics

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