Paramedics earn honours

[five_alarm]

PARKSVILLE, BC - A Parksville paramedic is being recognized for top honours in the emergency medical services field. John McKinstry, with seven other British Columbia Ambulance Service paramedics, is being honoured by the office of the Governor General with an Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Award. The award recognizes those who have “performed their duties in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency,” according to a joint press release from the Ministry of Health and B.C. Ambulance Service.Source: pqbnews.com (http://www.pqbnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=50&cat=23&id=686938&more=)

[FireChef]

I know John, and he is a great guy, I am glad to hear that he is getting that award!! Congrats!!!

[five_alarm]

VICTORIA, BC - Four Vancouver Island paramedics, each with more than 20 years in the B.C. Ambulance Service, have been singled out for service to the emergency medical field that goes well beyond their job descriptions. Ken Bowes, Lynn Klein and George Hammond of Victoria, along with John McKinstry of Parksville, are among eight British Columbia paramedics announced as recipients of the awards by the Canadian Office of the Governor General. Their awards will be presented in the fall at a Government House ceremony.Source: canada.com (http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=f07a39e9-7282-46de-bab7-abf088bc3ba4&k=28090)

[five_alarm]

VICTORIA, BC - They call it the breakfast club. It’s the morning after “bitch session” held at the end of the night shift on the last day of the work week. A chance to decompress and discuss the previous week’s events, get it off the chest and put it out of mind. “Most importantly, you don’t take it home,” said George Hammond, a veteran paramedic with the B.C. Ambulance Service. He still remembers one incident that involved a 13-year-old boy who didn’t survive. “I can describe the shirt he was wearing, the colour of his eyes, his hair, everything.” Hammond is one of eight paramedics being recognized for their longtime service.Source: vicnews.com (http://www.vicnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=36&cat=43&id=699964&more=)