An off-duty paramedic has been recognized for helping during a head-on crash on Bearline Road.
On Friday, Jan 9, 2015, emergency crews from the Chatham-Kent Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to Bearline Road in Dover Township regarding a head-on collision
Off duty paramedic, Paul Tremblay, came across the collision and was first on-scene.
The two vehicles were on opposite sides of the road with severe front end damage. There were two injured people in each vehicle. All four people were suffering from varying degrees of injuries.
Paul did an initial assessment of everyone involved and turned his attention to the driver of the van who was the most severely injured.
The man was trapped in his vehicle with life threatening injuries and would eventually have to be extricated.
Prior to the arrival of emergency personnel, Paul made the call from a citizen’s phone and requested air ambulance be dispatched directly to the scene.
This quick assessment saved the driver critical minutes while waiting for on-duty emergency crews.
As they arrived, Paul briefed emergency personnel.
He helped stabilize the driver, which not only assisted in the delivery of care but also synchronized the timing of the extrication with the arrival of Ornge.
“His calm demeanour, experience and leadership under pressure at the scene facilitated the efficient performance of our collective emergency response to this collision,” Chatham-Kent police officials said.
“His actions further expedited the deployment of Ornge and the professional care required by the trapped man.”
For his actions, the Chatham-Kent Police Services Board recognized Paul Tremblay with a Chief’s Commendation.
Photo: From left, CKPS Board Chair Diane Daly, Medavie EMS Manager Donald MacLellan, Paramedic Paul Tremblay, CKPS Chief Dennis Poole.
