Winnipeg, MB - Today, the City of Winnipeg recognizes the exceptional work of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) in serving its community, as well as some of the extraordinary citizens that have made a profound difference in people’s lives. These annual awards take place during Paramedic Services Week and are an opportunity to highlight some of the excellent work that Winnipeg paramedics do.
“It makes me very proud as Mayor to celebrate the tremendous professionalism and empathy of our paramedic first responders along with the heroic civilians who have stepped up to help fellow Winnipeggers,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The everyday acts of heroism in our community demonstrate the strong character of Winnipeggers and how they make ours a city we can all be very proud to call home.”
On August 27, 2014, 30-year-old Keith Ladobruk was playing soccer when he suddenly collapsed. Coaches, trainers and bystanders rushed to assist, including a doctor and an off-duty paramedic. An on-site AED (defibrillator) was used as CPR was administered. When WFPS arrived, Keith had already been shocked twice with the defibrillator, his pulse returning shortly after the second shock. Paramedics took over patient care and transported Keith to hospital in critical condition. Keith is doing well today, and is on his way to a full recovery.
On September 6, 2014, WFPS was dispatched to a football field where 8-year-old Santana Bone-Mcfadyen was at his brother’s football game playing on the bleachers when he began to choke on a piece of hard candy. Santana ran to his grandfather while a bystander called 911. The 911 operator gave Santana’s grandfather instructions on administering abdominal thrusts until paramedics arrived on scene. Paramedics performed a laryngoscopy, which showed no visible blockage. Paramedics turned Santana onto his stomach and administered back blows, which were enough to remove the candy from his throat and save his life. Santana has made a full recovery.
On March 17, 2015, WFPS was called to a motor vehicle collision. Before WFPS arrived on scene, a civilian, Tristan Gareau, pulled over when he noticed a vehicle on fire stuck against a condo building. He ran to the vehicle to find the driver still at the wheel, unconscious. Tristan gained entry into the vehicle, released the seatbelt, and pulled the driver out of harm’s way. Police were on scene almost immediately afterward and pulled the driver even further from the car. Paramedics arrived, and Fire put out the blaze while paramedics took over patient care. The patient is doing well, and speaks highly of Tristan and his actions.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service would like to thank the citizens that make our community a safer place, as well as celebrate our superb paramedics during Winnipeg Paramedic Services Week. More information on Paramedic Week is available at City of Winnipeg - Paramedic Services Week 2015.