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March 2014 Volume 1 - Number 1

Canadian Ride Newsletter About the Publisher: About the Editor: Gordon Perolli Samantha Tam

Gordon is a recent graduate of the Samantha Tam is a current student in Primary Care Paramedic program with Public Relations at Algonquin College. A honours from Algonquin College, University graduate with an honours . He aspires to have a long and degree in music, Samantha enjoys a full career in . For the wide range of music from jazz to rock. 2014 Ride, he is elected to be the Currently on the dean’s list at Director of Site Operations. He will be Algonquin, Samantha has helped local participating in the 2014 Ottawa Ottawa charities plan and execute Marathon with his dad. His favourite fundraising events. In her free time, pass time in the winter is long blading Samantha enjoys walking her dogs, on the . reading graphic novels and travelling.

About the Canadian Paramedic Ride Newsletter

The Canadian Paramedic Ride Newsletter contains all necessary information regarding the Ride.

The purpose of this publication is to inform and educate Canadians about past and future Rides.

This volume includes the story of how the Ride came to be, what the Ride is and why participate.

This publication will showcase the success of the inaugural Ride and what the future holds for this unique event in .

2 Table of contents

Page 4: Paramedic Ride: The Beginning

Page 6: Ride Background

Page 7: Why We Ride

Page 8: Rider Reflections

Page 11: Ride Review

Page 12: The Route & Riders

Page 13: Paramedic Ride Information

Page 14: Photographs

Page 16: The Future & Influential Attendees

Page 17: Riders & Escorts

Page 18: 2014 Executive

Page 19: Paramedic Organizations Involved Page 20: The End connect

www.ParamedicRide.ca

[email protected]

Paramedic Ride

@Paramedic_Ride

Tour Paramedic Ride

3 Paramedic Ride: The Beginning To understand how the Paramedic Ride began, you must first understand the Americans’ Muddy Angels Ride. Since 2002, the Americans have had a memorial ride, inspired after 9/11, called the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (NEMSMBR). NEMSMBR is more commonly known as the Muddy Angels Ride. The Muddy Angels Ride honours Paramedics who “have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty”. They currently have four annual rides. The routes vary each year in an effort to visit every Paramedic Service that has suffered a loss in the past 12 months. May 2010, seven Canadian Paramedics and avid cyclists participated in the Muddy Angels Ride. Six were from Ottawa: Frank McGregor, Sylvie Rochon, Ed Valdes, Chris Mosher, Matt Smith and Norm Robillard. The seventh from the Peel Region: Sarah Salvis, the first Canadian to ride in Muddy Angels in 2009. LEFT TO RIGHT: P. Arcand, N. Robillard, S. Brayshaw, J. Brayshaw, M. Massé Derek Davis and Ben Ripley, both Ottawa representatives from Canadian Paramedic The group returned home and recognized Medics, volunteered their services. Chiefs, Paramedics from and the Canadians’ need to have their own Canadian Paramedic Benevolent Society. memorial ride. November 2012, the team was ready. The Benevolent Society supported a Robillard knew the best chance for gaining October 2012, Robillard decided to go back Paramedic memorial ride because they support for the initiative lay with Mike to Muddy Angels 2013 but had another posses similar goals. Nolan, Chief of Renfrew County Paramedic goal. He wanted to start a Canadian Service and former Chief of Paramedic January 2013, the Paramedic Ride was Paramedic memorial ride. Taking smaller Chiefs of Canada. To approach Chief Nolan, founded and they began planning the Ride. steps would be more manageable than they planned a ride in Renfrew County. S. Brayshaw was nominated and accepted creating a ride immediately. as president due to her expertise. Robillard, Davis planned the route and secured a For Muddy Angles 2013, Robillard wanted Massé, Arcand and J. Brayshaw formed the Renfrew and support vehicle. to increase the Canadian presence. This rest of the executive board. The first step The riders were Robillard, Massé, Arcand, would demonstrate the success of the for the new organization was to the create Davis, Ripley, Brian Doré, Mike Martins, Muddy Angels Ride and convince more their brand. Susan Brayshaw and Jon Brayshaw. medics in Canada to support a Canadian Garrith Green, a 30-year veteran of Paramedic ride. On a cold and rainy November day, they Paramedicine with a background in graphic rode 130 km. Their route began in Arnprior, Summer 2012, Robillard and Martin Massé, design was contacted and accepted the to Renfrew, to Calabogie and finished back an Ottawa Paramedic and recent cyclist, challenge. Over the span of two months in Arnprior. Chief Nolan joined the group rode without support for 600 km. They and several drafts, a final design was for dinner. Robillard presented his idea for travelled from Ottawa to Hamilton, provided in March 2013. The Paramedic gaining support for the Muddy Angels Ride. Robillard’s hometown, while staying in Ride brand was born. Green donated the Chief Nolan supported the idea but hotels along the way. This route became rights of the design to S. Brayshaw and the advocated launching a ride immediately. the original draft for the inaugural Ride. Paramedic Ride organization. Chief Nolan invited the group to the When they returned, Robillard assembled a May 2013, Robillard participate in his Paramedic Chiefs of Canada meeting on core team of like-minded friends and second Muddy Angels Ride and was November 18, 2012 in Ottawa. Salvis drove medics. Massé recruited Pierre-Paul ecstatic to be joined by Massé and Arcand. from Mississauga to unveil the idea of a Arcand, an Ottawa Medic, new to cycling, They returned determined to see a ride on Canadian equivalent to the Muddy Angels Canadian soil. Ride. Her passion was well received by

4 The Beginning Over the summer, more medics from committee that the inaugural Ride would participation exceeded the expectations of Ontario and Québec volunteered their time be dedicated to flight 7793. the organizing committee and has created a towards organizing and supporting the national bond among Paramedics, The news about a long-distance bike ride to Ride. It would start in at Queens civilians and the fallen that will be honour the fallen quickly spread. Park and end at City Hall in honoured each year. Medics and the family and friends of the Ottawa. fallen heard and wanted to participate. May 31st 2013, the fatal crash of The Muddy Angels showed their support flight 7793 occurred. The tragedy brought with 15 cyclists joining the inaugural Ride. the Paramedic community closer and galvanized the team. It was unanimously The 2013 Paramedic Ride was an absolute decided by the Paramedic Ride organizing success. The amount of support and

Paramedic Ride flag in front of Ornge Riders excited to begin their journey Critical Care Transport Unit, Opening Opening Ceremony, Queen’s Park, Toronto Ceremony, Queen’s Park, Toronto

LEFT TO RIGHT: President Ontario Paramedic Association Rob Theriault, Ottawa Paramedic Tracy Levesque, Chief of Renfrew County Paramedic Service Michael Nolan, Ontario Health Minister Deb Mathews, Toronto Paramedic Service Deputy Chief Garrie Wright, Toronto Paramedic Honour Guard Troy van Overdijk, President Toronto Paramedic Association Geoff McBride

5 Ride background

Mission Statement: The Paramedic Ride honours Canadian military and civilian Paramedics who, while serving with pride have sustained injury or given their lives, in the line of duty. The Paramedic Ride will raise awareness and funds to support Canadian Paramedics and help raise a Canadian Paramedic Memorial Monument. Name: The inaugural Ride was called the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Ride. The name has changed to the Paramedic Ride [Tour Paramédic] to unify the ride across all platforms. The Ride: An annual bike ride occurring across Canada on the same third weekend of September. The Ride will take place over four days and hundreds of kilometers. Participants: Cyclists of any calibre are welcome to join. Cyclists can participate for any single day or the entire route and will be supported by several Paramedic units, support vehicles and volunteers. Goal: To raise awareness regarding Paramedics, their injuries and deaths in the line of duty, fundraise and provide support to those effected. Support: The Ride supports the friends and families of the fallen and provides therapeutic means of expression with like-minded individuals. The Ride is four days and the bonds created last a life time. Support networks are created and the survivors are never alone. The Paramedic Ride will raise awareness through social media and news agencies. Distribution of Funds: All monies from the inaugural Ride went to the Canadian Paramedic Benevolent Society to fund the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Monument. The Ride will continue to support the creation of a Canadian Paramedic Memorial Monument. Full details regarding who is supported annually and monies received will be documented and published on the Paramedic Ride website. Registration: Registration is processed through the website at: www.ParamedicRide.ca Registration will open Spring 2014 Volunteers: The Ride would not be possible without dedicated volunteers for the planning and execution of the Ride. Anyone can volunteer and no minimum or maximum commitment is required. If interested please contact [email protected] for more information.

The Ride is about family, unity between Medics, camaraderie between Services, partnership between provinces. Nothing illustrates this better than Ontario and Paramedic units side by side.

6 Why We Ride

Paramedics see more than their share of who Paramedics are and the sacrifices they tragedy. They know life can end in a make. The public does not understand the random moment and understand better dangers of the job. As the Ride is going than anyone the factors contributing to through their communities and traumatic death. broadcasted, Canadians will see what being

a Paramedic means and how they benefit Almost every day Paramedics walk away their community. from the worst imaginable disasters physically unscathed. The lessons If you work long enough as a Paramedic, Paramedics learn translate into their own you will know someone who has been healthy lifestyles, risk mitigation strategies injured or killed. The risks are pushed aside and even taking quirky steps to prolong the because somewhere a stranger needs help. gift of life. This Ride is one of the first and few ways

Canadian Paramedics come together as a Due to the nature of the job, Paramedics nation. They can honour their friends and have the second highest injury rate in the fallen. It is a place where they can Canada, second only to foresters and crab remember. fishers.

The Ride is for the family and friends of the EVEN THE BEST fallen. Though their loved ones made the CANNOT CHEAT DEATH. ultimate sacrifice, they are still here. st On May 31 , 2013 in , ON, Ornge Across our nation, 36 Paramedics have lost Paramedics show their support, come flight 7793 crashed. Flight Paramedics their lives in the line-of-duty while trying to together as a community and as a family Dustin Dagenais, Chris Snowball, First help complete strangers since 1988. Of for anyone effected. Officer Jacques Dupuy and Captain Don those deaths, 76% of them occur during Paramedics ride because they will not Filliter lost their lives while responding to a transportation or on the scene of crashes. forget, they ride because they remember, call for help. It occurred again on May 31 when Ornge they ride to support. transport medicine helicopter 7793 WE RIDE TOGETHER WE DEDICATE OUR FIRST RIDE TO 7793 crashed.

In an effort to commemorate these individuals and many more, a group of nearly 100 Paramedics from Canada and the USA have endured physical and emotional trauma over four days while they cycle from Toronto to Ottawa.

This inaugural event is now called the

Paramedic Ride. The goal is to raise funds for a Canadian Paramedic Memorial Monument. The challenge is monumental:

5 million dollars in five years. A National Memorial Monument honours all past, present and future Canadian Paramedics who dedicate themselves to the well being of those in need. Paramedics ride to honour those who have been injured or died. They have personal reasons for participating whether for a friend or family member. On the ride they will share and support each other.

Together, we become stronger.

The public will notice the Ride and participants can share their story to raise awareness for why Medics ride. It is LEFT TO RIGHT: Guillaume Soucy, Eric Maisonneuve and Damien Ferarri important the public better understands in arms on the 1000 Island Parkway, outside Brockville, Day 3

7 Rider Reflections being bottomed-out in potassium, which About Susan: can be a “perfect storm” when doing high Enterprise Client Implementation Specialist, intensity cardio. There was no high blood Primus Canada, Ottawa pressure, no high cholesterol, no coronary President & Rider - Paramedic Ride 2013 artery disease and no heart disease. Jon Stittsville, ON spent only three days in the ICU and was sent home. Jon made a 100% recovery. After two heart stress tests and only eight weeks later, the cardiologist cleared Jon to get back on his bike. Jon did not waste time. His first ride since the cardiac arrest was 28KM’s and I had to ask him to slow Susan Brayshaw down twice as I could not keep up. What a success! Our riders, myself That is what good CPR does. Jon’s situation included, were glowing in happiness with was a perfect example of the Chain of how well the Ride turned out. We made it Survival. on time and most importantly everyone had a very memorable time! The outcome could have been very different. Jon had less than 10% survival The first ride was a live dry-run success. We chance as his cardiac arrest was outside of continued to build a ship after it has set sail. a hospital. In addition, I did not know how At our post-ride debriefing we took notes to do CPR (then). I am thankful for the Ronda Shewan on the many successful aspects, where we bystanders who began CPR. On May 31st 2013 I received a phone call can improve and we are working to make changing my career and myself. I am an this event bigger and better next year. In July 2012 we got to meet the team of Ornge 7793 medic who worked with the Paramedics who saved Jon’s life and thank I am the only non-medic on the two pilots and two Paramedics killed when them. One of the medics, Martin Massé, is executive team. About a year and a half ago their helicopter crashed just after takeoff an avid cyclist. I guess you can say Martin, I had no interaction with Paramedics at all. I from Moosonee airport. They were Jon and I clicked with having that in had very little knowledge about Paramedics responding to a call in Attawapiskat, a one common. It was not long after we all began and the vital role they play in our hour flight north. cycling together. Martin introduced us both communities or their impeccable life-saving to his Paramedic friends who were also The first few days are a blur. I made my way skills, but that all changed very quickly. cyclists. This is how we met Norm Robillard, to Burlington to offer my condolences and My husband Jon and I are avid cyclists, an Ottawa Advanced Care Paramedic, who friendship to the family of Flight Paramedic cycling more than 2800 KM’s last year. wanted to plan a Canadian version of the Chris Snowball. I am still bewildered by Allie March 2012, Jon and I were 20KM’s into a “Muddy Angels Ride”, a National U.S. (Snowball’s wife) asking me, on that day, if I 40 KM ride when Jon suddenly collapsed off memorial bike ride for fallen medics. was okay. Although she lost her husband his bike. He hit the ground like a rock. There Bringing a memorial ride to Canada is she recognized that I had lost four friends. was no brace, he hit hard and was out cold. important to Paramedics. With my project This began a new friendship with Chris’ His feet still clipped into his peddles. management experience I knew it was family, I cherish and have used as a source something I would be honoured to help of comfort through the months following Within seconds bystanders began CPR on the crash. Jon. Moments later a defibrillator arrived with. on scene and then the Paramedics arrived. Being part of the planning committee is Travelling to Burlington, Sudbury, It took three shocks for the Paramedics to very important to me. It is a great way to Kapuskasing and Mt. St Hillaire, QC to bring Jon back to life. give back and help with something that’s attend the moving tributes held for our very important. fallen was difficult, but each funeral Jon was brought to the Ottawa Heart showed Paramedics and emergency Institute in critical condition. Within a few Before Jon’s accident, I knew nothing about services’ respect and support for the hours he was fully alert, talking and our Ottawa Paramedics, what they were families and co-workers. During the drive remembered everything from the original capable of doing and the vital role they between Burlington and Sudbury I learned moment he felt his body go numb and eye have in medical emergencies. Now, I will of the inaugural CPMR ride and their sight darken, to the moment he started forever be grateful for Paramedics! As a dedication to 7793. regaining consciousness after Paramedics civilian, I will continue to do everything in revived him. my power to ensure Paramedic get the I remember thinking how crazy cyclists were to ride 500 km from Toronto and Doctors told me Jon suffered a -V fib due to recognition they deserve.

8 Rider Reflections

Ottawa. They must have something more professional losses. We laughed, joked, fun to do. The information stuck with me cried, planned, sang and navigated our way and I was reminded of the ride a week later through the backroads and bike paths when we were driving to Jacques funeral in between Ontario’s capital and our Nation’s Quebec. capital. I am so glad Rob was driving the rig because I couldn’t have gotten through it A fellow 7793 medic was committed to with anyone else. participating and would begin training. I was not as committed as he but found The second day of the ride Norm asked me myself checking on the prices of road bikes to speak during the morning greeting about and thinking about training routes around the four men we lost and introduce home. Alas, I am not a rider but could be a everyone to the reason we are here. I rider support volunteer. wrote down some good stuff but once I saw the faces of all the riders who were there Throughout the summer my counselor and Daniel Contant to support our loss I once again felt the I wrestled with the mental demons born grief and was only able to say a few words On September 20th 2013, I took on one of from the crash. As I recovered, through my tears. the biggest challenges of my life; the volunteering for the ride became a goal I Canadian Paramedic Memorial Ride. Not wanted to achieve. It was a way to give When the bell rang I was to say the names only was it probably the toughest challenge back to those who marched with us during of all four. The eerie tone ringing for Don I'd ever undertaken but, at the same time, the funeral processions, provided honour was followed by silence because I had not one of the easiest. All the training and guards and gave unwavering support while yet found the strength to say his name. prepping through the summer was made our service kneeled in grief. Don, Jacques, Somewhere, deep inside, the smallest easy, knowing why I was riding. Dagger and Snowball would have amount of courage urged my voice to say supported the riders so I would go in their Captain Don Filliter, (ding) First Officer I rode in memory of my Ornge 7793 friends place. Jacques Dupuy, (ding) Flight Paramedic and for my dad, a flight Paramedic killed in Dustin Dagenais, (ding) Flight Paramedic the line of duty in 1988. During the four The week before the ride I was pleased to Chris Snowball. days of our trek, my fellow Paramedic find out the counselor and I had done riders and I took the time to honour the enough work. I was cleared to return to The four days of the ride were emotional many other civilian and military Paramedics service albeit slightly cracked but not for me because of the overwhelming and pilots who gave the lives in the service broken. Two days before the ride I was support the riders, support volunteers and of others. informed I would not be scheduled that CPMR members showed to honour our weekend, allowing me to volunteer as I fallen brothers. Everyone was amazing. At my father's funeral, I remember seeing a hoped. I e-mailed the volunteer Everyone had suffered personal or sea of Paramedics that came to lend their co-coordinator, Norm, who was very professional losses. Either line of duty love and support to my mother and family, excited to have a 7793 medic volunteer but death or illness as a result of working, we a memory that I've held near and dear ever did not have a job for me yet. were all there together. Everyone riding in since. Sadly, I attended the funeral for my memory of someone. Ornge co-worker and friend, Dustin Now the challenge was to get hotel rooms Dagenais this past June. along the route and hope someone would Once we arrived in Ottawa and navigated allow me to ride with them. I was riding through the one-way streets downtown it I felt that this was my chance to pay that with Snowball’s family to Toronto for the was time to say farewell until next year. My love and support forward to another Opening ceremonies and then from Ottawa seat has been secured with Rob in the Paramedic's family in need. Again, I saw so after the Closing ceremonies. Once the support vehicle for the 2014 ride where many Paramedics in mourning but still Snowball family and I arrived at Queen’s we’ll drink chai tea, talk about country life lending their support to Dustin's family. To Park for the Opening ceremonies I was and drive 20kms/hour behind amazing me, that was a testament to the strength introduced to my ride for the next four people on bicycles. and commitment that keeps the EMS days. family so tightly together. About Ronda: Rob Dodge, a Paramedic from Renfrew Primary Care Paramedic Flight 7793, Ornge, The inaugural Canadian Paramedic County Paramedic Service, volunteered his Moosonee Memorial Ride was an experience that I will time to drive their services support vehicle, Volunteer - Paramedic Ride 2013 remember forever. I had the pleasure of which would transport luggage, supplies, Embro, ON meeting and forging new friendships with food, riders and bikes the next 500kms. many Paramedics from Ontario, Quebec Rob and I became fast friends. and the United States. The experienced

riders passing along their tips and tricks Someone was smiling down we talked and they've amassed over many previous long listened our way through our personal and

9 Rider Reflections distance rides. Being quite new to cycling, important and selfless task. About Jen: their support and motivation helped me On September 20th, I showed up at a National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Director push up that big hill or for that next rest professionally executed event inspiring and Rider - Paramedic Ride 2013 stop when I felt my legs giving out. The humbling all 15 Americans who came to Milford, Connecticut encouragement of my family, friends and take part in the Ride. Many of those riders co-workers as I kept them up to date on have been involved with our Memorials for social media of our progression was years but could not stop admiring all the tremendous. details, the small touches along with the Scenic views of Lake Ontario and highly visible countryside, the beautiful Thousand Islands accomplishments that seemed to be met region, picturesque towns like Gananoque with ease. and Port Hope, disrupting traffic in Beyond what was noticeable on the surface downtown Toronto and Ottawa, crossing to each participant such as well-organized the finish line and most importantly, routes and preparation, was what was not honouring our fallen Paramedic comrades seen that was the most impressive aspect all contributed to a successful inaugural of this event. Everyone, from the Canadian Paramedic Memorial Ride despite leadership to the support, displayed the some cold and rainy weather. Through the strongest bonds of cooperation and the hard work of the Ride organizers, shared vision of the mission to bring the volunteers and local Paramedic services, Chief Michael Nolan Line of Duty Deaths to the public’s eye we were kept safe and our bellies kept full. through a Memorial dedicated to their As we look forward to next year’s Canadian I look forward to next year's Canadian sacrifice. Paramedic Memorial Ride it is important to Paramedic Memorial Ride and all the new Everyone worked together seamlessly. No pause and reflect on the reason a few of and wonderful experiences that it will have matter what the task, my fellow American our colleagues have made such an to offer. Riders and I felt welcomed and truly incredible effort. Everyone who About Dan: honoured to be included in the Inaugural participated in this year’s ride has a story to Primary Care Paramedic Flight 7796, Ride. tell. Riders from as far away as the United Ornge, Timmins + Cochrane Distract EMS To point out all the simple acts of kindness States of America and Rider - Paramedic Ride 2013 I witnessed during the Ride would turn this joined Ontario and Quebec Paramedics Timmins, ON letter into a backbreaking testament to the character of the staff you have in your who shared memories of family, partners employ. From each smile, inquiry if we and friends who have died while serving were having a good time, to the genuine their communities. A National Memorial is interest in learning about our own a symbol of respect and a dedication to challenges in our events, I cannot possibly fallen Paramedics as well as a celebration express how impressive each and every individual contribution made the event a of our history serving Canadians in their success. greatest time of need. We will soon begin planning for our events About Chief Nolan: for 2014 and I am certainly looking to add Chief County of Renfrew Paramedic Service some of the touches I saw within the Contributor, Organizer, Ride Command, Jennifer Lyon Canadian ride to our own. I am shocked to Rider - Paramedic Ride 2013 hear that this is the first major Renfrew, ON From my perspective, to say the organizers organizational event for many of the and volunteers of the Paramedic Ride did volunteers. Clearly they pulled together an amazing job is a huge understatement. I and worked harmoniously to put on an have been involved as a Director for our unforgettable journey. EMS Memorial Bike ride events for the past few years and the Canadian Ride was my One sign of a successful event is in the seventh Memorial Ride. I have planned and aftermath and I am happy to witness the organized our rides and clearly camaraderie that continues between all the understand the challenges faced by the participants. entire group of volunteers dedicated to the

10 Ride Review RIDE OVERVIEW CONTRIBUTORS The Paramedic Ride was an absolute This newsletter would be doing a injustice success. It was novel for most involved, no to not mention two critical figures for the one could have predicted the turnout of Ride that have continued to work in the participants, volunteers or Paramedic background for the benefit of the Ride; Services that supported the Ride The result generously donating their time, expertise far exceeded everyone’s expectations. and connections to make the Ride a success. The opening ceremony were held at Queen’s Park in Toronto. The Ontario Health Minister the honourable Deb Matthews launched the inaugural Ride. The Command team adapted as they went. They learned a lot in a short time. They executed successfully and made the route appear flawless. Superintendent Darryl Wilton The group was always on schedule. The schedule was made with a minimum Superintendent with Ottawa Paramedic travelling speed of 20 km/h. The slowest Service and President of the Professional rider met and exceeded this speed. The Paramedic Association of Ottawa fastest riders of the pack at times were He is very knowledgeable, connected to the traveling in excess of 50 km/h. Chief Michael Nolan Paramedic community and engaged to Injuries can happen and are an expected improve Paramedicine. Chief Michael Nolan is one of the best part of cycling tours. The Ride is happy to known Paramedics in Canada. His presence Wilton provides expert advice to executive boast that no one was injured. alone gives the Ride validation. He did not on wide subject matter before, during, and The closing ceremony was perfect; every stop there. Chief Nolan was involved from still today. Paramedic Service from the region was the beginning. He was the one that Wilton is always helping from the present and proudly displayed their informed those passionate about creating a background: he generates press releases, paramedic units. Ride to not wait but to act, which is why he uses social media to update people on the is so successful in all his endeavors. He Most importantly, everyone had fun. Ride as they travelled from Toronto to supported the executive team every step of Lasting memories were formed and Ottawa and ensures that the Ride receives the way with any requests made to him, friendships forged. Riders are going to crucial support to succeed. sharing his extensive network and learn English or French to better invaluable knowledge. He attended key At the closing ceremony he was a speaker communicate for 2014. organizational meetings to offer his and represented Paramedics who still work IMPACT support and wisdom on all matters. on the road. This newsletter hopes to attract national Chief Nolan was extremely helpful in the Wilton consistently goes above and attention. Not only so people know what formation of the Ride, he provided beyond. happened, but so they are aware that it is necessary and critical resources for the not going to stop. The 2014 Ride is Ride itself. He volunteered every day of the approaching and there are many ways to Ride, helping the command team. He brought an SUV and truck and trailer. He be involved. THE PARAMEDIC RIDE EXECUTIVE WOULD also brought several critical volunteers that The goal for 2014 is to triple the Riders and LIKE TO THANK THEM BOTH FOR THEIR helped drive, set up, tear down, assist in to gain provincial and national attention. TIRELESS SUPPORT. any way possible to make the Ride a This event is going to have a large and success. On top of that he brought his bike significant impact on Canadian and road on day 3. Paramedicine. It is the first event that brings road medics across the country together to support each other. It is one of the few ways as a country we show support for paramedics, especially line of duty deaths.

11 The Route + Riders

Ottawa

526 km Day 4 24.66 Hr 128 km 6.16 Hr

Day 3 87 km Brockville 4.08 Hr

Day 2 Kingston 178 km 398 km Day 1 8.25 Hr 18.50 Hr 133 km 6.17 Hr Port Hope 311 km 14.42 Hr Toronto

133 km 6.17 Hr

ABOVE: The inaugural route is shown with distances, times travelled per day and totalled. ABOVE: Canadian map illustrating Riders represented by province. BELOW: Graphic representation of the parade group formation when entering towns. Police led the way and blocked intersections for the Riders. The first ambulance was from the local Paramedic Service. BELOW: A map of Ontario and the Paramedic Service Areas

Paramedic Ride Parade Formation

Legend Purple: Attended a ceremony Green: Supported the Ride Red: Supported Ride and Attended ceremony

12 Paramedic Ride information

13 TOP GOING COUNTER Photos CLOCKWISE: The Ride being sheltered by Lennox & Addington EMS with Chief Mark Schjerning Closing ceremonies, , September 24, 2013 Gatineau Riders posing outside Queen’s Park, Toronto, Day 1 Lead Marshall Bike with the Paramedic Ride Flag leaning against Ottawa Paramedic Response Unit Jennifer Alexander, Ottawa Advanced Care Paramedic

CENTER GOING CLOCKWISE: One of two motorcycle escorts on the Ride Day 3 on the 1000 Island Parkway Gatineau escorting Riders into Port Hope, Day 1 Volunteers ready to go, Brockville, Day 4

14 Photos

15 The Future & Influential attendees

THE PARAMEDIC RIDE 2014 INFLUENTIAL ATTENDEES Benevolent Society Date: Friday September 19 to Monday Ministers Chief Administrator September 22, 2014. Grant Ross Ontario Health Minister Route: will follow a similar route to 2013. Deb Matthews NOTEWORTHY Starting in Toronto and ending at Ottawa Mayors Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service City Hall. Joined Day 4 with riders and an escort Ottawa Ontario: Require one Paramedic from ambulance. Jim Watson each Service in Ontario to help the Ride. Peel Paramedic Service Merrickville Canada: Quebec and have Drove five hours to attend the closing J. Douglas Struthers aspirations for their own ride. ceremony at City Hall in Ottawa. has also reached out. Politicians

Long Term Ottawa City Councillor A special thank you to the Paramedic Rainer Bloess The Paramedic Ride is a Not-for-Profit Services that provided an exceptional organization. Chiefs level of support for the entire Ride, including: riders, , Goal: every province to have a well Hastings- Quinte Paramedic Service support vehicles and volunteers. established Paramedic Ride by 2023. John O’Donnell *acting Without their support and volunteers the Call to Action La Coopérative des Paramedics de Paramedic Ride would not have been L’Outaouais Ontario: The Paramedic Ride needs possible. Stéphane Parent Ontario Paramedics’ help. One member from each service is needed to join the Lanark County Paramedic Service planning team. Their local expertise is Ed McPherson needed to plan the best route and find the Leeds & Grenvile EMS hidden gems. Chris Lloyd Engage your Service about supporting the Lennox & Addington EMS Ride, by keeping them up-to-date and Mark Schjerning involved, contacting local media, etc. Please contact: Ornge Dr. Andrew McCallum [email protected], Volouteers: Beneficial if a cyclist, for route Anthony DiMonte planning, but not necessary Renfrew County Paramedic Service Canada: The Paramedic Ride needs Michael Nolan Paramedics in every province to start their own versions of the Ride. Susan Brayshaw Paramedic Association Presidents developed an ‘implementation package’. Ontario Paramedic Association The package provides information Rob Theriault regarding how the Ride was created and how to start your own. Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Association Contact S. Brayshaw directly for the Scott Bennett package: [email protected] Professional Paramedic Association If you are interested but do not know of Ottawa where you start, spread this publication to Darryl Wilton everyone you know. Contact us with any questions or concerns and we will respond Toronto Paramedic Association as soon as possible. Geoff MacBride

16 Riders & escorts

Each Paramedic Service area we road through proudly represented themselves by provided an escort through their district. La Coopérative des Paramedics de L’Outaouais, Durham Region EMS, Frontenac Paramedic Service, Hastings - Quinte Paramedic Service, Leeds & Grenville EMS, Lennox & Addington EMS, Northumberland EMS, Ornge, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Renfrew County Paramedic Service and Toronto Paramedic Service. All displayed above

17 2014 Executive

Susan Brayshaw Ben Ripley Norm Robillard

Project Implementation Specialist, Advanced Care Paramedic for 4 years Advanced Care Paramedic for 27 years Canadian Telecommunications Company Member of the Ottawa Paramedic Tactical Member of the Ottawa Paramedic Service Founding Member of the Paramedic Ride Unit Special Operations Paramedic Bike Unit for 5 years. President 2013 + 2014 Ride Ride Command 2013 Ride Founding Member of the Paramedic Ride Long-distance cyclist, cycling about 2,700 Director of Sponsorship 2014 Ride km a season Director of Logistics 2013 Ride Professional Photographer Martin Massé Director of Ride Operations 2014 Ride Jonathon Brayshaw Cyclist in the 2010/13 Muddy Angels Ride

Gordon Perolli

Advanced Care Paramedic with 16 years of service Project Coordinator, specializing in managing metrics and facility performance Member of the Ottawa Paramedic Service Primary Care Paramedic with Lanark Special Operations Paramedic Bike Unit Founding Member of the Paramedic Ride County Paramedic Service Founding Member of the Paramedic Ride Rider 2013 Will be purchasing a bicycle this Spring Public Information Officer 2013 Ride Treasurer and Registrar 2014 Ride Command Team 2013 Ride Cyclist in the 2013 Muddy Angels Ride Long distance cyclist, cycling about 2,700 km a season Director of Site Operations 2014 Ride Pierre-Paul Arcand François Côté Will participate in a Muddy Angels Ride in the years to come

Primary Care Paramedic for the since 2005 Advanced Care Paramedic with Ottawa Paramedic Service with 23 years of service Member of the Ottawa Paramedic Service Special Operations Paramedic Bike Unit Operations Superintendent and member of the Urban Search & Rescues Team Founding Member of the Paramedic Ride Rider 2013 Director of Communications 2014 Ride Public Information Officer 2014 Ride Cyclist in the 2013 Muddy Angels Ride Avid cyclist and kite surfer

18 Paramedic organizations involved

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