OPP honours EWEMS paramedic Kristen Hamilton

An Essex-Windsor EMS Advanced Care Paramedic has received a special Citation for Bravery from Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

Kristen Hamilton received the prestigious award for helping to rescue an injured motorist trapped in a vehicle on October 12, 2024, after it rolled into a marsh following a collision in Leamington.

As the citation reads: “The vehicle was approximately 27 metres from shore with the water level up to its windows when Kristen saw movement inside of the vehicle and heard moaning. It was too risky to wait for a rescue boat, so she and an OPP officer entered the marsh and extricated the driver from his vehicle. They took him back to shore on a floating gurney and he was transported to hospital for treatment.”

Hamilton was “highly commended “ by the OPP for her “courageous actions.”

The driver had sustained multiple injuries. Hamilton and Primary Care Paramedic Jennifer Cochrane responded that day. Hamilton wore a personal flotation device and safety line before venturing deep into Hillman Marsh.

Said Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers: “Kristen Hamilton’s courage and quick thinking exemplify the very best of paramedicine. Her actions to save another life were nothing short of heroic, and her willingness to go above and beyond comes as no surprise to those who know her. Her bravery reflects the dedication of Essex‑Windsor EMS paramedics who serve with courage every day.”