Essex-Windsor EMS Deputy Chief Lammers Receives Bravery Award

Essex-Windsor EMS Deputy Chief Professional Standards Justin Lammers, who rescued a struggling swimmer while on vacation in Florida in 2019, received the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery on Thursday.

The award was presented during a virtual ceremony attended by Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Health Christine Elliott, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Lisa MacLeod, and Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter.

“We appreciate the recognition for not only this, but for all paramedics across Ontario. Thank you,” Lammers said after his award citation was read.

“Thank you for your incredible service, even while on vacation,” Elliott responded.

Lammers was at a Florida beach with his family on Dec. 9, 2019, when he saw swimmer struggling in the ocean, 200 feet offshore. He grabbed the only flotation device he could find – his son’s Wham-O bodyboard – and ran into the water, shouting at beachgoers to call 911. He was able to get to the struggling swimmer and give him the bodyboard to rest on until the beach police boat arrived.

In all, 13 paramedics received awards of bravery Thursday, 11 for nominations submitted in 2019 and two for 2020. Other acts of bravery included rescuing a trapped driver from a vehicle, delivering medical treatment to a patient in a confined space, and rescuing a mother and her two children from a residential fire. The stories were read by Susan Picarello, assistant deputy minister of the Emergency Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health, before each award was presented.

“Paramedics are on the frontlines when it comes to protecting our communities and saving lives. Throughout the pandemic, we have seen paramedics performing incredible acts of service and generosity,” said Premier Ford. “From assisting with the vaccine rollout to alleviating hospital capacity by helping with home care, they have been here to support us every step of the way. On behalf of everyone in Ontario, I want to thank each of them for their service and congratulate this year’s winners of the Paramedic Bravery Awards. You are true heroes.”

Peter Dundas, president of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs praised the paramedics for putting patients first and showing fearless dedication.

“They exemplify the virtues of this award and what it means to be a paramedic stepping up to serve their community every day,” he said.