Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Medals Awarded
Three Nova Scotia paramedics were presented the Exemplary Service Medal for Emergency Medical Services by Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis, today, Aug. 5, at Province House.
The Exemplary Service Medals recognize people in high-risk professions who have dedicated themselves to preserving Canada's public safety through long and outstanding service.
"Over their period of service, these individuals have seen their profession grow and mature to become a key part of our health-care system," said the lieutenant-governor.
The 2008 winners of the Exemplary Service Medal for Emergency Medical Services are:
Bill Muirhead, primary care paramedic, Stellarton, Pictou Co.; Earl Russell, intermediate care paramedic, Berwick, Kings Co.; and Lauchin Armstrong, advanced care paramedic, Port Hawkesbury, Inverness Co.
"It's an honour to recognize three men who are true heroes in their communities and in our province," said Premier Rodney MacDonald.
These national medals are part of the Canadian honours system and are awarded though the Chancellery of Honours, a branch of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. The Emergency Medical Services Medal is one of the newest in the Exemplary Services Medal family, joining other public safety professions including police, corrections, fire services, Canadian Coast Guard and peace officer.
"Awarding this medal gives us the opportunity to thank these paramedics for their work, dedication to the citizens of Nova Scotia and to celebrate our profession," said Lawrence Briand, advanced care paramedic with Emergency Health Services and member of the awards committee.
The Emergency Medical Exemplary Service Medal was created in 1994 to recognize professionals who provide pre-hospital emergency services and have performed their duties in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency.
To be considered for this award, a paramedic must have been employed with an emergency medical service on or after Oct. 31, 1991, and have completed 20 years of exemplary service, including at least 10 years in duties involving potential risk.
Emergency Health Services is a division of the Department of Health. It is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of pre-hospital emergency health services in the province. In November 2004, the province's ground ambulance system became the first Canadian ambulance service accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. It recognizes Nova Scotia's ground ambulance system as the best in Canada and one of the best in North America.