Paramedic Honoured For Compassionate And Empathetic Actions Involving A Distraught Person With A Knife

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An Essex-Windsor EMS Paramedic was honoured Monday with a Meritorious Service Coin and a Certificate of Commendation for her compassionate and empathetic actions on duty that diffused a volatile situation involving a distraught person with a knife.

Allison Baldwin attended a call earlier this autumn with fellow Paramedic Mara-Jade Lach for a patient who was threatening to harm themselves. When they responded with police, the patient was on the balcony and holding a knife, with obvious wounds to their arms.

Baldwin recognized the patient from previous calls and asked police to let her speak with the patient. After a few minutes, persuaded the patient to drop the knife and move into a safer position where medical treatment could be rendered.

“Through Allison’s communications, voluntary compliance was gained, eliminating the need for force and potential harm to the patient and officers on scene,” said Windsor Police. “Allison recognized the seriousness of the situation and was confident in taking charge of communications, which lead to a safe and positive outcome for all.”

Baldwin received a standing ovation from her peers in Essex County Council Chambers Monday when Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter presented her with a certificate for “extraordinary action while on duty” and a Meritorious Service Coin.

“On behalf of Essex-Windsor EMS we would like acknowledge you and thank you for your actions in caring for this person in need,” said Krauter. “It exemplifies how we should treat all of our patients each and every day.”

The certificate and coin are the ninth to be awarded by the chief in the last six years to EMS staff and members of the public.