GRAVENHURST — The province is honouring two Muskoka paramedics for their bravery during a fatal house fire in Gravenhurst in November.

“Paramedics are trained to jump in and respond to those in need, I am proud of the work Muskoka paramedics do every day and am extremely proud of Neil and Mark's actions",” said Jeff McWilliam, District of Muskoka’s Chief of Paramedic Services and Emergency Management, of local paramedics Mark Verbeek and Neil Hebb. “Mark and Neil reflect the courage and dedication that embodies first responders and the paramedic profession.”

During a ceremony at Queen’s Park on May 31, Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care presented Verbeek and Hebb with the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery in recognition of the danger they faced while attending to a victim of a house fire in the west end of Gravenhurst.

After being called to a structure fire on Nov. 23, Verbeek and Hebb arrived to find the North Street home fully engulfed, with flames and smoke coming out of every window, according to a media release.

Once at the scene, an OPP officer told them that he could see a person inside the front door, but when he tried to enter the home he was pushed back by the thick black smoke.

Verbeek and Hebb entered the building, one holding the other's belt, and were able to reach and move the person, later identified as 48-year-old April Doubleday, out of the building. Doubleday succumbed to smoke inhalation.

The Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery is given to those who have displayed exceptional acts of courage, performed on the job or off-duty, in the face of grave, personal danger.

This year, the award was presented to a total of eight Ontario paramedics.

“Paramedics Verbeek and Hebb are part of a great team who provide excellent care to residents and visitors who live in or visit Muskoka,” said District of Muskoka chief administrative officer Michael Duben. “We congratulate Mark and Neil on this very distinguished award, and we thank all our dedicated Muskoka Paramedic Services staff for their ongoing service to our community.”



