Lanark County Paramedic Service Marks 25 Years of Lifesaving Excellence
May 08, 2025
LCPS celebrates milestone and prepares
to unveil new crest during Paramedic Services Week
Montague, Ontario – The Lanark County Paramedic
Service (LCPS) is celebrating a major milestone this year: 25 years of
dedicated service to the residents and communities of Lanark County.
Since its formal establishment in 2000, LCPS has evolved
into far more than an emergency response service. Today, the Service plays a
critical role in community health through mobile outreach, preventative care,
and support for patients with complex needs.
“This milestone is about more than years — it’s about the
people we’ve helped, the communities we’ve supported, and the growth of our
profession,” said LCPS Chief Travis Mellema. “Our paramedics have risen to
every challenge, expanding their skills and scope in ways that continue to
improve the health of our region.”
Chief Mellema presented a commemorative report to County
Council this week, recognizing the Service’s impact and the people behind its
success. Some of the highlights include:
· More than 2,100 clients supported through
Community Paramedicine
· Active participation in the Trillium Gift of
Life tissue referral program, which provincially has seen over 1,600 referrals from
participating services since 2017
· Involvement in the External Violence Against
Paramedics (EVAP) study to improve first responder safety
· Ongoing commitment to staff wellness, peer
support, and professional development
“Lanark County Paramedic Service plays an essential role in
the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Brad Harrington, President
and CEO of the Mississippi River Health Alliance. “The evolution of this
service over the past 25 years is extraordinary — from emergency response to
preventative care and mobile outreach, LCPS continues to lead with compassion,
innovation, and professionalism. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with
them.”
While the anniversary is officially in the fall, LCPS wanted
to highlight it in May to coincide with Paramedic Services Week (May 18–24), a
national celebration of paramedics and the essential role they play across the
country. This year’s theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” perfectly captures
the mission and values at the heart of LCPS.
As part of the celebrations, LCPS will also unveil a new
crest and refreshed visual identity on Tuesday, May 21. The new crest was
designed in collaboration with Perth-based artist Jaana Brett, and reflects
LCPS’s continued evolution, connection to community, and commitment to
delivering exceptional care.
Additional details will be released about the new crest and
its meaning during Paramedic Services Week. Follow along at www.mrha.ca or on MRHA social
media as we celebrate the incredible contributions of our paramedics past,
present, and future.
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Media Contact:
Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead
Mississippi River Health Alliance
613-621-9638
caohara@mrha.ca
About Lanark County Paramedic Service
Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) provides
essential pre-hospital emergency medical care to residents and visitors across
Lanark County. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, LCPS paramedics are the
first point of contact for many in emergency situations, responding to a wide
range of medical and trauma-related calls. With a strong commitment to
innovation, professionalism, and community partnerships, LCPS is dedicated to
enhancing the health and safety of the region. For more information, visit www.lanarkcountyparamedicservice.ca.
About
the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA)
The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) was
formed in 2016 to formalize and strengthen collaboration between the Almonte
General Hospital Corporation—which includes Almonte General Hospital (AGH),
Fairview Manor (FVM), and the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS)—and the
Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Corporation (CPDMH). This
partnership delivers seamless, high-quality healthcare that addresses the
evolving needs of local communities. Together, the MRHA is building an
integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive care close to home,
enhancing access and improving health outcomes throughout the region. For more
information visit www.MRHA.ca.