Veteran first responder, paramedic, honoured for their EMS service

Darren Russell, primary care paramedic and Allison Irvine, medical first responder, were each presented with the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal. (Lisa Risom/CTV News)

SASKATOON — Two Saskatchewan Protective Services Medals were handed out in Prince Albert at Parkland Ambulance Care Ltd.

Allison Irvine, a first responder, and Darren Russell, an advanced care paramedic, were chosen to receive the honour for their dedication to the EMS field in Saskatchewan.

Irvine becomes the first medical responder to be given the medal.

Her father was the fire chief in Shellbrook in 1993 when she joined the Shellbrook Volunteer Fire Department.

“It was a particularly bad year for accidents and we never had anyone really trained to do the medical side and then I read in the Shellbrook Chronicle about a program the Parkland Ambulance offered,” said Irvine.

That prompted her to take advanced medical training. Since then she’s spent 27 years serving the community of Shellbrook and area.

“It’s a passion that I have, and as long as I can still feel and help people in their time of need, that’s all the motivation I need,” said Irvine.

Russell has worked as a primary care paramedic with Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert for 25 years.

“I’ve never been in this profession for an award. It’s just a privilege and honour to be able to work for a Parkland Ambulance and the heath authority,” said Russell.

He says he first got into the profession because he enjoyed helping people.

The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal is an honour given to protective services providers and focuses attention on the efforts and work of police, fire and emergency professionals, and others working in the field of safety and security.

Recipients must be personnel with 25 years of service in Saskatchewan.