May 28, 2024
Members of AHS’ Protective Services team accept the Gold Lifesaving Award from representatives of St. John Ambulance Alberta. At the ceremony, from left, are: Robert Kung, Provincial training specialist and peace officer; Ryan Cammidge, director, Protective Services, Edmonton Zone; Beverly Lafortune, president and CEO, St. John Ambulance Alberta; Jerry Scott, chief protective services officer, senior programming officer, Protective Services; Grant Blaine, director, Protective Services Business Standards & Operational Support; Stacey Savage, manager of Training and Community Services at St John Ambulance Alberta; and Ryan Stratton, manager, Protective Services Training and Development Unit. Photo supplied.
Story by Gregory Kennedy & Cassie Ford
Members of the Protective Services provincial team of Alberta Health Services (AHS) have garnered gold for their excellence in life-saving efforts from St. John Ambulance.
“It is with great honour, pride and gratitude that I share the recognition of our team’s outstanding lifesaving efforts across the province through the delivery of Narcan to those experiencing medical distress,” says Jerry Scott, chief Protective Services officer and senior program officer.
“As first responders, protecting and serving our community is a big part of why most first responders choose this challenging career. There are many days when the challenges you face will test your will to aide your fellow human beings, yet you repetitively place yourselves in harm’s way and continue to excel in your duties,” he adds in a congratulatory note to his team.
St. John Canada established the St. John Ambulance Life-saving Awards Program more than 30 years ago to acknowledge individuals or groups of individuals who have administered first aid while saving or attempting to save a life. Each year, St. John Ambulance grants only two gold awards at the national level.
“These individuals are our everyday heroes,” says Beverly Lafortune, president and chief executive officer, St. John Ambulance Alberta Council. “We’re proud to present life-saving awards in recognition of individuals providing first-aid interventions to assist someone who is injured or in medical distress. To save the life of another is the mission of the Order of St. John.
“In recognition of the role AHS peace officers have undertaken to help save the lives of Albertans who experienced opioid poisonings in and around their healthcare facilities from 2021 to 2023, St. John Ambulance issued a Life-saving Award – Gold level to AHS Protective Services. These peace officers are to be commended for their outstanding response using their first-aid skills and administering naloxone to help save lives.”
Scott adds: “Everyone within Protective Services should be very proud of this national recognition. Despite our many challenges, we continue as partners in care in leading safety and security programs in healthcare across Canada.
“I am extremely humbled and proud of the daily sacrifices our people make while protecting patients, staff, the public and AHS facilities.”
Learn more about the important role and duties of Protective Services Officers at Alberta Health Services.
St. John Ambulance is a self-funded, registered charity with more than 125 years of experience caring for Albertans. With roots dating back more than 900 years as an international humanitarian organization, First aid training and community service are its cornerstones. Learn more about St. John Ambulance in Alberta.
