Monday, Lt. Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield present Exemplary Service Medals and Stars of Life Awards to emergency medical services professionals at Government House in Regina. Among them were individuals from the Northwest.
The Governor General’s EMS Exemplary Service Medal is Canada’s highest honour for paramedics. The medal and subsequent bars recognize 20, 30 and 40 years of service in responding to pre-hospital emergencies in Canada. The Stars of Life Award recognizes outstanding commitment and acts of bravery.
Leah Arsenault of Unity received a Star of Life Award. Her citation follows:
"Leah Arsenault, Heartland Health Region, Unity – Leah is the EMS co-ordinator in Unity. She leads by example and is dedicated to modelling her career to exemplify hard work, dedication and strong professional standards. Even as a co-ordinator she provides great patient care and is always giving more to ensure the viability of ambulance coverage in her community. Leah currently chairs her health region’s EMS Policy Committee and Community Paramedic Program. When personal health issues faced Leah, she fought back with determination. When doctors told her she could never do what she loved as a paramedic, she proved them wrong and came back to full duties. Strength, determination and leadership are a few qualities of Leah’s career."
Doug Beeson of Biggar also received a Star of Life Award. His citation follows:
"Doug Beeson, Heartland Health Region, Biggar – Like so many, an incident occurred and Doug was bitten by the EMS bug. He wanted to do more, he needed to do more and he took training so he could do more. He has continually upgraded his education and currently is an EMS co-ordinator in the community of Biggar. Doug’s work philosophy is one with three simple principals. One, give excellent patient care all the time. Two, don’t cause any issues with your EMS coworkers. Finally, three, don’t tick off the nurses and the doctors. He’s right and engages with a trouble-free workforce. Doug has been instrumental in lobbying the local health foundation for significant funds for new equipment in his area. Doug also teaches first aid, CPR, EMR and first responder programs, in building great community members."
Eden Shirley of Prince Albert also received a Star of Life Award. Her citation follows:
"Eden Shirley, Parkland Ambulance Care, Prince Albert – For a person of a relatively short career of only five years, Eden has had a very good one. Seeing the need to fulfill a professional and personal goal, Eden recently became an advance care paramedic. Training for such a program is intense. It means extended hours studying, clinical and ambulance practicums, but, being a farm girl, Eden is no stranger to hard work. While completing her training programs Eden still did an amazing number of volunteer hours with her service, Parkland Ambulance Care in Prince Albert. She exceeded the company’s expectation because she believes in giving back to the community. While others may have simply said studies come first, Eden struck a balance to continue an outstanding volunteer commitment."
Adrian Schmiedge of Heartland Health Region, Davidson, also received a Star of Life Award.
Receiving the Star of Life Team Award for outstanding commitment, caring and professional response were Kalvin Jones and Darryl Morin of northern Saskatchewan. Their citation follows:
"Kalvin Jones, Keewatin Yatthe RHA, Ile a la Crosse, Darryl Morin, Keewatin Yatthe RHA, Buffalo Narrows – Kalvin and Darryl were the first paramedics to respond to the tragedy of the school shooting Jan. 22 at the La Loche School. Under RCMP protection and with an active shooter still in the building, Kalvin and Darryl provided outstanding medical care to get the victims safely to the health center. Paramedics train to run towards the disaster because we are the help, but never did Kalvin and Darryl think that on Jan. 22 would such a tragedy ever strike their community. When faced with such an incredible situation these two professionals did more than what was expected of them."
A number of individuals were recognized for 20 Years Exemplary Service, including Diane and Keith Woytiuk of Blaine Lake, third generation of Blaine Lake Ambulance founder Michael Dutchak's family legacy. Both Diane and Keith are also holders of Star of Life Awards from previous years. Their 2016 citations follow:
“Diana Woytiuk, Blaine Lake Ambulance – As a primary care paramedic Diana is always on the quest to keep up with the latest knowledge and ensure her skill as a practitioner are top notch. Diana also ensures top-notch skills in every student she teaches first aid skills to. Giving back to the community in so many ways is part of her commitment. Whether it is a community function in Blaine Lake, training folks in Leask to use an AED, or comforting a family as a local coroner, Diana is an integral part of her community. Supporting very busy children and a business partner with her husband, the community of Blaine Lake and area know, love and truly appreciate all she does."
"Keith Woytiuk, Blaine Lake Ambulance – It seems like busy people always get things done and Keith is no different. From operating the ambulance service in Blaine Lake, to responding as a paramedic practitioner to ambulance calls, to being an active member of town council, Keith still finds time to invest in the profession. Keith is a board member with SEMSA and a strong advocate for the needs of rural health EMS care. A cornerstone of Keith’s philosophy is to give more than you will ever receive and treat everyone with the respect you would give your family. Leading by example, Keith is never one who will ever shy away from getting involved. His commitment, professional integrity and dedication are evident by this award."
Also recognized for 20 Years Exemplary Service was Coralee Dutchak, another third generation of the family devoted to the EMS field. Her citation follows:
"Coralee Dutchak, Parkland Ambulance Care, Prince Albert – To exceed one’s expectations and strive to be better are probably words to describe Coralee. From her early EMT career in Rosthern to her current role as a practicing paramedic and administrative manager at Parkland Ambulance Care, Coralee has gained respect and admiration from her peers. Coralee’s commitment to top-notch patient care extends to raising two very busy boys, managing three different sports teams and being an integral business partner with her husband [Trevor]. Coralee is never one who will shy away from doing something, but exceeds one’s expectations to complete the task better than was possible."
A former North Battleford EMS was also recognized for 20 Years Exemplary Service, Cory Hartmann. His citation follows:
"Cory Hartmann, M.D. Ambulance Care, Saskatoon – Starting in Melfort, then in North Battleford and now in Saskatoon, Cory learned that a paramedic’s career can be worthwhile, impressive, insightful and, yes, a paramedic can and does make the difference in people’s lives. Early in Cory’s career he learned that being self-sufficient, just you and your partner, made a paramedic’s career unique. Unique career opportunities as a paramedic have placed Cory in the line of fire as a tactical paramedic, in the air with Saskatchewan Air Ambulance and in the emergency room at Royal University Hospital. In Cory’s career you can add an instructor for the PCP program and his own professional growth in leadership. Diversity, growth and opportunity have been exemplified in Cory’s paramedic career."
Also recognized for 20 Years Exemplary Service were: Christina Backlin, Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Regina; Michel Forest, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Gravelbourg; Mike Kirby, Crestvue Ambulance Service, Yorkton; Steven Skoworodko, Wakaw and District Ambulance (recently awarded the Mike Dutchak Leadership Award for outstanding leadership), and; Andrew Williamson, M.D. Ambulance Care, Saskatoon.
Recognized for 30 Years Exemplary Service were Blake Campbell, Gull Lake and District Road Ambulance, and Wally Huebert, Canora Ambulance Care.
Recognized for 30 Years Exemplary Service was Patrick Bellisle of Prince Albert. His citation follows:
"Patrick Bellisle, Parkland Ambulance Care, Prince Albert – It seems like such a long time ago that Pat began his career in 1975, many of those new paramedics, new mentors were not even born yet. But with a drive, determination, commitment and passion Pat has been the catalyst to many aspiring careers. He is known to many as a colleague, but to many more as a friend. There is no 'half way' to getting the job done. Pat’s diligence and strong work ethic have provided a model for many new paramedics. In a career that spans more than four decades, Pat still is the first one down the stairs if asked to do an ambulance call, first to offer to work shifts for coverage. Pat is never looked upon by a new paramedic as 'what could he possibly teach me?' But, with an outstanding passion to his profession, they look and say, ‘can my career be as long and strong as his?'"
