Frontenac Paramedic honoured for bravery at Queen’s Park after dangerous lake rescue

TORONTO, ON – Frontenac Paramedic Kimberly Fitzsimmons is among a small group of Ontario paramedics who received the inaugural Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery, May 24.

The award was presented at Queen’s Park by Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, and Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Syliva Jones. The Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery, new this year, is presented in recognition of individual acts of outstanding courage and bravery performed by members of Ontario’s paramedic services. The presentation coincides with Paramedic Services Week.

Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Frontenac Paramedic Kimberly Fitzsimmons, Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Syliva Jones

"It means the world to be among the first paramedics to receive the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery,” says Frontenac Paramedic Kimberly Fitzsimmons. "I am so thankful for the nomination, and it is so special to share this experience with those paramedics who were also honored. Our profession has a unique skill set and does not often get the recognition it so often deserves. I am so happy that this medal signifies a change here. I feel every paramedic ought to be celebrated for what they do."

On August 2, 2022, while off-duty, Fitzsimmons was toweling off after a swim in Lake Ontario when she spotted a man thrashing and then submerging into the water. She immediately dove into the water to rescue the man, who had sunk 15 feet to the bottom of the lake. After surfacing with the unconscious man, Paramedic Fitzsimmons swam them both to a nearby beach. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and without any PPE, she immediately began performing life-saving measures. She continued CPR until first responders arrived and took the man to hospital. Even while off-duty, Paramedic Fitzsimmons put herself in harm’s way to save a stranger’s life.

“It’s a great honour and privilege that one of Frontenac Paramedics is among those who earned the new Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery,” says Frontenac Paramedics Chief Gale Chevalier. “Ms. Fitzsimmons didn’t hesitate, despite great personal risk, to aid a stranger in need. Congratulations Kimberly and thank you for your dedication.”

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More about the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery: https://www.ontario.ca/page/honours-and-awards-bravery#section-2

More about the recipients this year, including Ms. Fitzsimmons: Recipients of Inaugural Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery | Ontario Newsroom

More about Frontenac Paramedics: FrontenacParamedics.ca and engagefrontenac.ca/frontenac-paramedics

More about Paramedic Services Week: https://www.paramedicchiefs.ca/paramedic-services-week-2023/