A Cochrane-based paramedic is being recognized for his quick thinking that helped bring home an elderly woman living with dementia who wandered from her home.
Paramedic Ian Dingle will receive the Legends of the Call Award from MedicAlert Foundation Canada – an annual distinction given to a paramedic who follows the “MedicAlert Look, Read, Call procedure” when encountering a person in medical distress.
“I am honoured to be receiving this award. MedicAlert is extremely useful for emergency responders as it provides rapid access to the best information. It was the key to our success that day,” Dingle said.
In January, Dingle found the woman wandering and confused but thought to check her for a MedicAlert ID bracelet. To the paramedic’s and the woman’s good fortune, she was wearing one. Dingle was then able to call their emergency line, gaining access to her medical details, emergency contacts and home address.
The woman was safely returned to her family, thanks to Dingle’s action.
“Realizing that the person you love most is lost and may not be able to communicate who they are or where they live is an absolute nightmare,” said the woman’s husband.
“When she was returned to us safely in the ambulance, she looked so relieved.”
Dingle will receive the award at the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada’s annual gala banquet in Niagara Falls, Ont. in June.
“We are proud to award paramedic Dingle the Legends of the Call award and thank him for his service to the Cochrane community,” said Robert Ridge, president and CEO of MedicAlert Foundation Canada. “His commitment to the Look, Read, Call procedure is proof that collaboration between MedicAlert and emergency responders can provide Canadians with faster, better care during emergencies.”
