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Oxford County Paramedic Recognized for Bravery

Friday, 2 June 2017 at 06:24

Photo Courtesy: Stephen Edward's Twitter (@The_Stevester)

When Superintendent Russell Chase dove into the water to save a child, the last thing on his mind was accolades.

An Oxford County Paramedic is being recognized for incontrovertible bravery in a moment of crisis.

Superintendent Russell Chase was on vacation with his family in August of 2014 when he noticed an adult and child struggling in the water. The pair were fighting a powerful undertow and riptide. Wasting no time, Chase and another swimmer dove in to rescue the duo. Chase was almost overcome by the current, but dug deep and brought the child to safety.

Chase says the action was almost automatic, and Chief of Oxford County Paramedic Services Ben Addley says the man was very touched as he accepted the award.

"Very humble about it and the response from him, just like many of the others, was 'I did not think of any risk to myself, I just did what I thought needed to be done to help people.'"

Chase was nominated for the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery by his peers. A total of eight paramedics were recognized this week.

Addley says Chase's indomitable spirit and courage set him apart.

"He's a quiet, humble, but very competent leader in our organization. He's one of the superintendents so the behaviours he exhibits in this case is not surprising because he is a leader in our organization every day."

Minister of Health Dr. Eric Hoskins and MPP Ernie Hardeman were on hand to present the award.

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