Paul W. Patterson Chatham, ON - February 25, 2007

Ontario Paramedics are reeling after learning that a Chatham-Kent paramedic, responding to an emergency, was killed when his vehicle slid off an icy road and rolled over.

"We lost a good one"

Paul Patterson, a 30 year old Paramedic, was the lone occupant of a Paramedic Response Unit SUV when the incident occurred.

"We lost a good one," stated John Jacobs, manager of Sun Parlour Emergency Services Inc., Chatham-Kent Division.  In 2005, Paul was presented with an "Above & Beyond" award by his peers.

"Our deepest condolences & sympathies to the friends & family of our colleague." stated OPA President, Mary Osinga.

"This incident is a significant loss for the EMS department and the entire community," Jacobs wrote.

Paul is survived by his soul mate of Claire Owens, her son Brenden, his parents, brother and sister. 

Treacherous road conditions

Patterson was responding to a collision and travelling alone on Talbot Trail south of Blenheim in an SUV First Response Unit around 10 a.m. when he lost control of the vehicle on the icy road, sending it into a ditch.  

Patterson was ejected from the vehicle.  He was taken to the hospital in Chatham, where he was later pronounced dead.

Road conditions were treacherous due to freezing rain in the region which had already caused several collisions including the one Patterson was responding to.

Police continue to investigate.

"Paramedics are there when you need them, regardless of the weather or other potential dangers.  When we lose one of our own, it really hits home and we all need to be there for each other." stated Osinga. 

Ambulance service in Chatham-Kent is temporarily being provided by paramedics from Essex-Windsor, Lambton, Thames-Elgin and Thames-Middlesex. 

"We immediately up staffed vehicles from Windsor-Essex to relieve our crews," Jacobs said. 

Paramedics asked to wear LODD pins / black ribbons

"Paul lost his life while attempting to save others.  His tragic loss highlights the real dangers that Paramedics face everyday", stated Osinga

The Chatham-Kent Paramedic Association, Ontario Paramedic Association & the Paramedic Association of Canada are asking all Paramedics to wear their LODD pins or black ribbons over their left chest until after Patterson's funeral.  In addition, all EMS Stations should lower their flags to half-mast.

Funeral / Visitation Proceedings

Funeral Arrangements are being completed by Denning Funeral Home, 32 Metcalf Street, Strathroy, ON - www.denning.ca

Visitations at the Funeral Home:

• Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 18:00 to 21:00
• Thursday, March 1, 2007, 14:00 to 16:00
• Thursday March 1, 2007 18:00 to 21:00

Funeral proceedings:

• Friday, March 2, 2007 at 14:00 hours
  Bear Creek Golf Club
  571 Metcalf Street East, Strathroy, Ontario

This will be a Line of Duty Death Funeral. All Emergency services personnel are requested to attend in Full Dress Uniform OR Service Uniform.

In order to ensure coordination of the memorial service in terms of numbers and required resources, please ensure you contact the OPA Board member according to the following:

Out of province honour guards and other Emergency services personnel wishing to attend please email ggillies@ontarioparamedic.ca,

Individual paramedics please email bjohnson@ontarioparamedic.ca

All others (media/public/etc) email mosinga@ontarioparamedic.ca

In Memoriam Donations

Donations are being collected through the Denning Funeral Home to go to the MS Society.