Grey County Council began last week's meeting by honouring three local paramedics that were recognized by the Southwest Ontario Regional Base Hospital with awards for exceptional care and leadership.
Jeff Thomas and Evan Kraayenbrink received the Medical Directors Award of Excellence for outstanding patient care. The award was presented by Local Medical Director Dr. Sunil Mehta who said the pair demonstrated exceptional teamwork under extraordinary circumstances.
"That is a very brief version of a very trying circumstance north of Owen Sound in a smaller hospital," Mehta told council. "They brought in a very critical patient and subsequently stayed on scene with medical staff for over two hours resuscitating that one patient, and remaining on scene even longer when an additional six patients that were critical arrived, overwhelming the resources of that hospital."
Mehta said they were nominated by the physician on scene for exceptional paramedicine.
Mark Urquhart was also recognized with the Medical Directors Award for Professional Contribution, for his mentorship, education, and support of the paramedic practice. Grey County Paramedic Chief Kevin McNab presented that award, saying Urquhart has been an exemplary leader in the field for over 40 years.
"His work has support paramedics and first responders across Ontario, including his involvement with the Municipal Health and Safety Association, where he has taught high-risk technical rescue skills," said McNab. "Since joining Grey County in 2019 as a Paramedic Supervisor, he has continued to work with a strong focus on mentorship and well-being. He teaches mental health resiliance to new recruits, helping them prepare for the demands of the job."
McNab added that he was proud of all three recipients and grateful for the compassion and expertise they bring to the Grey County community every day.
