Halton Region paramedic receives Chief’s Commendation Award
Published October 20, 2021 at 5:43 pm
A Halton Region paramedic has been recognized for her efforts in saving the life of man who had self-inflicted wounds.
On Wednesday, Halton Regional Council paid tribute to paramedic Olena Campeau for her Chief’s Commendation Award from the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).
She received the award from HRPS Chief Stephen Tanner on October 14.
“We are proud to recognize Olena Campeau for going above and beyond to help keep our community safe,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Olena’s outstanding efforts are a testament to the great work that our paramedics do each day.
“We are fortunate to have highly trained paramedics who perform life-saving skills, educate residents on important health and safety practices and provide urgent medical care to residents when they need it most.”
Back in June of 2020, members of the HRPS Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU) responded to a call with medical support from Tactical Paramedic Olena Campeau.
They found a man in a basement who was armed with a knife and was actively using it on himself. Police managed to disarm the individual and provided emergency medical aid until Campeau arrived.
After assessing the patient, Campeau quickly developed a treatment plan with assistance from TRU officers and executed it.
On the way to the hospital, the paramedic continued to talk to the patient, while also keep a close watch on his vital signs, treating his injuries and providing life-sustaining care.
Campeau’s urgent care along with the quick response of the TRU saved the man from what would have inevitably been fatal self-inflicted wounds.
The Halton Regional Police Service and the Halton Region Paramedic Services have worked in collaboration on the Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) program since 2003.
Paramedics are a key part of the Halton community, with a dedicated team of nearly 300 primary care, advanced care, bike, community and tactical paramedics that respond to more than 50,000 calls and transport more than 30,000 patients to area hospitals each year.
