RED ROCK — It’s no secret that emergency medical service technicians and first responders face unique challenges when it comes to addressing the needs of residents in the north.
The Beardmore paramedicine program, for example, continues to fill in the gaps out in Greenstone, while the process to find new locations for emergency medical service stations in between Red Rock, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, and Schreiber continues in earnest following several closures.
In September, the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs (OAPC) acknowledged the hard work of emergency medical service workers across the province, awarding 166 paramedics across the province the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal.
Created in 1994, the medal is presented to paramedics who have served for 20 years or more and provided a high level of care - with at least 10 of those years being active in the field with potential risk to the individual.
One of the individuals recognized as a recipient this year - among several others in the Superior North region - is Mayor Darquise Robinson of Red Rock.
Robinson has been a paramedic for 32 years.
She began as a volunteer during her high school years before going on to obtain her Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant (AEMCA) certificate at Cambrian College.
She said that receiving this award really does “mean a lot” to her.
“I truly enjoy my work, and I believe it’s a comfort to residents when they see a familiar face in their time of need,” Robinson said.
She added that she has spent her whole career working in and around Red Rock.
In fact, she was the first full-time paramedic in Red Rock.
“At times, it is a struggle as everyone in a small town becomes family, so those serious calls are difficult for everyone,” Robinson said.
Robinson joins other recipients in the region, including two paramedics also working for Superior North Emergency Medical Services (SNEMS) and two from the District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) - James Frizado, Nicholas Enders, Christopher Wielinga, and Donna O’Sullivan.
Recipients are nominated based on recommendations from people within the respective organizations that they work for.
Robinson added that this “validates” her work over the past 32 years.
“This is a very stressful job, and to still be working in this profession and enjoying it is remarkable.”
