Two York Region paramedics have been honoured for their exceptional courage by the province.
Bret Foisy and Richard Morra of York Region Paramedic Services received the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery last night at Queen's Park for their bravery in rescuing a person from the Holland River.
In the early morning hours of September 14, 2017, Foisy and Morra responded to a distress call, searching for 35 minutes in the dark marsh before finally finding the person. They quickly began treatment for hypothermia, saving the person's life.
The two York paramedics were among 13 paramedics from across the province recognized for courageous actions, performed on the job or off-duty, in the face of grave, personal danger. Award recipients were selected from nominations submitted in 2017 and 2018.
Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, presented the awards to the paramedics, who were accompanied by York Region Paramedic Services Chief Chris Spearen.
"Paramedics play an important role in communities across Ontario by providing people and families with care, help and support in times of urgent need," said Elliott in a news release. "I am honoured to recognize the 13 recipients today, who have demonstrated exceptional care in dangerous and often life-threatening circumstances. I want to thank them for their bravery, as well as thank every paramedic across Ontario for their service."Other award recipients were recognized for acts of courage that included: helping multiple gunshot victims while off-duty, rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle and protecting their team from a man wielding a knife.
