The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa

2006-05-17 - Paramedic line-of-duty deaths
MEDIA RELEASE

Attention News Editors:

Canadian Paramedics mourn the line-of-duty deaths of two of their own

OTTAWA, May 17 /CNW Telbec/ - The Paramedic Association of Canada learned that early today two British Columbia Paramedics died in the line of duty while attempted to rescue individuals in a Mine located near the community of Kimberly, British Columbia.

Paramedics across Canada are mourning the deaths of two of their colleagues today. "The Paramedic Association of Canada sends condolences to the families and friends of the involved paramedics" said Paul Morneau, Chairman of Government & Media Relations for the Paramedic Association of Canada. "Paramedics face dangerous situations everyday and risk their own lives to help others.

The loss of two of our own is extremely difficult for all paramedics. This tragedy is even more difficult during national EMS week (May 14-20) where we celebrate the commitment and dedication that paramedics provide on a daily basis to the communities across Canada."

The Paramedic Association of Canada asks that Flags be lowered to half-mast at paramedic stations and that paramedics wear black ribbons on their uniforms out of respect for our fallen comrades.

For further information:
Paul Morneau, Chair,
Government & Media Relations,
(613) 836-6581;

Note to media: Out of respect for our fallen colleagues please use their proper titles of "Paramedic"

The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is responsible for promoting the practice of Paramedicine and ensuring the highest level of care for our patients. We are leaders in the advancement of Paramedicine and achieve our objectives through public awareness, research and education. We lobby for self-regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act. We also assist in fundraising for community-based charities. The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is a proud chapter of the Ontario Paramedic Association and the Paramedic Association of Canada. The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa (PPAO) is not a labour union.