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Halton paramedic receives top provincial honour for exceptional bravery

Halton Advanced Care Paramedic Kyle Laing received the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery is the province
Halton Advanced Care Paramedic Kyle Laing received the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery is the province's highest honour was presented by Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. | Halton Region

On May 27, Halton Advanced Care Paramedic Kyle Laing received Ontario's top honour for paramedic bravery at an evening ceremony at Queen's Park.

On August 31, 2012, off-duty paramedics Kyle Laing and Chris Howard rescued a Burlington family of five whose boat had capsized in Lake Ontario about 200 metres from the Burlington lift bridge. While Paramedic Howard skillfully maneuvered his boat in difficult conditions, Paramedic Laing jumped into the chilly water, braving metre-high waves and strong winds. He first rescued a nine-year-old girl, then swim back for her mother who was without a lifejacket and unable to swim. Paramedic Howard pulled a second adult from the water, while the Hamilton Police Marine Unit rescued the remaining two adults.

I am extremely proud of Paramedic Laing for winning this award. Every Halton paramedic is dedicated, compassionate and ready to save lives every day, but Kyle’s outstanding courage while off duty is an inspiration to us all.

The Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery is the province's highest honour in recognition of paramedics whose actions demonstrate outstanding courage while saving or protecting the life of another person. The award was presented by Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. In all, 18 recipients were honoured with this inaugural award.


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