Lanark County Paramedic Chief Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal
March 19, 2025
Montague, Ontario – Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) Chief Travis Mellema has
been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a distinguished honour
recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their
communities.
Established in 2023, the King
Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to Canadians who have demonstrated
a lasting impact in public service and community leadership. Chief Mellema's
career in paramedicine has been defined by his tireless advocacy, healthcare
initiatives, and commitment to both patient care and paramedic well-being.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this medal, but the true
recognition belongs to our entire team,” said Mellema. “The dedication and
innovation of our paramedics, leadership, and community partners have made
these programs a reality. We remain committed to ensuring these essential
services continue for the residents of Lanark County.”
Under Chief Mellema’s leadership, LCPS has introduced
programs that have transformed healthcare accessibility in Lanark County,
ensuring that patients receive critical care when and where they need it most. Some
of these initiatives include:
· Community Paramedicine & Outreach
Programs – Expanding beyond traditional emergency response, LCPS paramedics
now provide in-home healthcare services, chronic disease management, and urgent
care interventions to vulnerable populations.
· Palliative Care Paramedicine – Supporting
patients with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring they receive compassionate,
end-of-life care in location of choice, reducing hospital admissions while respecting
their wishes.
· Mental Health & Workforce Safety Advocacy
– Strengthening support systems for paramedics, including direct access to
clinical psychologists, expanded peer support networks, and new measures to
combat workplace violence.
· Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program – Overseeing Lanark County’s AED registry,
ensuring up-to-date information on AED locations is available to Ambulance
Communications Officers so bystanders can be quickly directed to a nearby unit
during a cardiac emergency.
These initiatives have improved patient outcomes and enhanced
emergency medical services across Lanark County, ensuring that paramedics can
provide advanced, compassionate, and community-focused care.
His leadership has been widely recognized in the healthcare
community. Mary Pat Bingley, a retired RN and Chair of the Lanark County Victim
Services Board, emphasized the profound impact of these programs:
"The programs introduced under Travis's leadership -
community paramedicine, palliative care, and outreach - have been the most
impactful change to healthcare in Lanark County in over four decades. These services and supports have transformed
access to care for those who need it most."
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is reserved for
individuals who demonstrate excellence in public service, shaping the future of
their fields through dedication and innovation. Chief Mellema’s contributions
to paramedicine, his advocacy for healthcare advancements, and his unwavering
commitment to supporting both his patients and his colleagues make him an
exemplary recipient of this prestigious honour.
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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.