GUELPH – Fifty-one names were read and 51 times the Paramedic Memorial Bell tolled in memory of Canadian paramedics who have died on the job since 1980.
The Guelph Wellington Paramedic Service held a moving service on Oct. 2 at its headquarters on Clair Road in Guelph to mark the end of its part in the Paramedic Relay.
For the past week, paramedics from the local service volunteered their time and leg muscle to cycle from station to station in Wellington County – a 200 km journey – touring the bell and allowing paramedics to pay their respects.
The bell honours, names and remembers every Canadian paramedic who has died in a line-of-duty death since 1980.
Normally the Paramedic Ride would be a cross-Canada event with a final service in Ottawa.
Over the years it has become a large event and an important date on the paramedic calendar.
The initiative has a goal to build a permanent memorial in Ottawa.
This year, with COVID-19, the bell is being handed off in a kind of relay.
Dufferin paramedics handed it over to Guelph Wellington on Sept. 25 and the local team hands it off to Waterloo Region on Oct. 3.
But on Oct. 2, the bell arrived at Guelph headquarters for a sombre but fitting service.
The cyclists arrived, the bell was carried from an ambulance by a colour guard and placed on a case draped in a flag.
Carrie Gordon, advanced care paramedic, emceed the event.
“We gather to remember the 51 paramedics who started their shift and did not see the end of their shift,” she said.
“We remember their service and sacrifice and honour their family members.”
The local paramedics cycling team arrives at headquarters for the memorial service on Oct.2. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth
Gordon said paramedics are in the Canadian forces, in search and rescue teams, and in cities and rural communities.
The deaths have been the result of medical events like heart attacks, car accidents, helicopter crashes and military manoeuvres overseas.
Gordon said there is recognition that paramedics – like other emergency responders – are prone to PTSD as their work brings them to some horrific scenes.
The bell, at the service, also tolled in memory of paramedics who died by suicide.
“Paramedics are on the front line every day and now there are added pressures with COVID,” said City of Guelph CAO Scott Stewart, acknowledging the suicide deaths.
“Today we reflect on that. As you look after us, look after yourselves, too.”
Paramedics were wearing face masks at the event emblazoned with the “I’ve Got Your Back 911” logo.
I’ve Got Your Back 911 is a national campaign that focuses on mental health supports for first responders.
It offers resources, peer support groups and many more services for paramedics, police, fire fighters, nurses, doctors and military personnel.
Gordon also took a moment to remember Adrienne Roberts, a paramedic with the local service who was killed by her husband in 2010.
Although she did not die on the job, “it’s been 10 years since we have been without her,” Gordon said.
“She was our co-worker, our friend, a mentor and a role model. She loved her son and she loved her profession.”
At the close of the ceremony, Gordon urged paramedics to make their own mental health a priority.
“Be safe,” she said. “Take care of yourself, your partner, and take care of one another… And if you’re suffering, please reach out.”
The Paramedic Memorial Bell. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth
