Local paramedic Julie Grainger is one of 13 recipients honoured with an Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery following a dangerous rescue effort.
The the York Region Paramedic Services first responder attended a call where a worker was injured at the bottom of a 150-foot deep wastewater access shaft on Dec. 2, 2018.
With support from the Richmond Hill Fire Department, Grainger used ropes to descend the cold, dark shaft and provide medical treatment to the person below. The response on the scene lasted more than two hours.
“Looking back on that day, I didn’t think I was performing an act of bravery in the moment. I was doing what needed to be done,” the Stouffville resident said at a virtual ceremony celebrating her award on June 4.
Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra said “honouring our frontline heroes is one of my greatest privileges.”
“I hope you understand just how much we value what you do every single day,” he added.
Christine Elliott, minister of health and Newmarket-Aurora MPP, also praised paramedics and Grainger for the work they do.
“Paramedics are a pillar of our health-care system and valued first responders and all of us can’t thank you enough,” she said.
Elliott, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod presented the 13 paramedics, including Grainger, with the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery in a virtual ceremony May 27.
The award was first introduced in 2015 and since then 56 first responders have received it. The award honours paramedics for acts of courage that they have displayed in the last 24 months.
Grainger said she was honoured to be recognized alongside the other 12 award winners.
“Their stories are remarkable and their actions are truly courageous,” she said.
Today’s celebration coincides with the 24th anniversary of Grainger becoming a paramedic.
