AHS mourns loss of colleague

Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS) practitioners, are mourning the death of their friend and colleague John O’Mahony.

He was killed in the line of duty after a motor vehicle collision the morning of Dec. 6, 2010. He was 65.

“Our deepest condolences go to the families and friends affected by this tragedy,” says Sue Conroy, senior vice-president with EMS, Alberta Health Services.

“Our immediate concern is their well-being and we are doing all we can to support them during this difficult time.”

O’Mahony was an active duty member with EMS for 24 years in the roles of emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician and EMS manager. From 1979 to 2002, he served with the Smoky River Ambulance Service.

“Professionally, John always had two competing loves – being a teacher and first response,” says Barbara Mader, site manager of Community and Rural Hospitals with AHS. “He floated between both as he was needed.”

O’Mahony’s teaching career spanned more than 35 years as a math teacher at Georges P. Vanier Secondary School in Donnelly, as well as working with EMS on a full-time, part-time and casual basis. Following his retirement from teaching, he pursued both career loves with a renewed enthusiasm. From 2008, he served as a casual emergency medical responder with AHS and tutored students in preparation for exams.

“Safety was of paramount importance to John,” says Mader, recalling a recent incident where a pediatric patient being prepared for transfer did not want to be fully strapped in and secured.

“I'm told it took some persuading but after John convinced our patient she was a ‘princess,’ complete with tiara and wand, she happily complied. As John was tucking and wrapping her up, the staff recalled that John was telling her it was his job to keep her safe.”

Every day, Albertans depend on EMS to keep them safe – sometimes risking their own safety.

“While EMS practitioners are exposed to a number of potentially dangerous situations, one of the most obvious is a motor vehicle collision,” says Trevor Maslyk, EMS executive director for the North and Edmonton zones.

“All EMS practitioners undergo extensive driving education as part of their training but the sad reality is that collisions do happen, even to the most careful drivers.”

In Alberta, EMS stations and AHS facilities provincewide have lowered their flags to half-mast in tribute to O’Mahony. In memory, EMS practitioners and staff are wearing mourning pins and ribbons.

An avid bird watcher, environmentalist and naturalist, O’Mahony volunteered in the construction and mounting of the flying goose Christmas display for the "Birdwalk" on McLennan's flag poles. McLennan is the bird capital of Canada and O’Mahony would be one of the community volunteers who would count the birds in the area every year.

“It’s a Christmas display that includes lights and geese flying in Santa’s sleigh,” says Mader. “The geese have been placed so high on the pole, however, that we were unable to fully lower our flag to half-mast this week. To honour John, the group decided to leave the display as is and lower the flag as best we could.”

“While I did not have the privilege of meeting John personally, I feel as though I have gotten to know him through the stories shared by his family and friends,” Maslyk adds. “The same words to describe John have been used repeatedly in recent days. Dedicated, hard-working, conscientious and helpful are some that immediately come to mind. He was clearly a true friend to everyone in the community.”

Maslyk and Conroy have been meeting with family, friends and colleagues affected by the collision. Conroy says that while it has been an emotional time, it has also been inspirational.

“The teamwork and support of one another has been amazing,” she says. “Site administrators, community representatives, fire and police, and friends throughout the community and beyond have affected us in a very real and personal way.”

Condolences have been received from health-care providers, allied emergency services personnel and the public from across Canada.

O’Mahony was also an active community choir member with a resonant tenor that will be remembered by many.

As stated by a close colleague and EMS staff member: “The heavenly choir has received a new voice but his earthly voice and presence will be forever missed.”