Tim Couillard, Critical Care Paramedic Supervisor with PAAW Member Bell Ambulance, was recently recognized at the American Ambulance Association’s 2019 Stars of Life Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Tim, a loving husband, and father to three beautiful girls has a passion for sharing his knowledge and learning everything he can. He was chosen as the 2017 Employee of the Year at Bell, which led to his participation in the Stars event this year. When asked what Tim did to earn an employee of the year nomination, he replied, “Well…I just went to work and did my best,” which I think we can all appreciate. In talking with Tim, it is easy to recognize how much pride he takes in his work, whether it is training others or pushing himself to learn more. He earned his certification as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher in 2017, in part, so he could better understand the system he is a part of.
You can read Tim’s full Star of Life bio here.
Tim had the following to say about his experience at the Stars event:
“It was amazing. I am so honored to have been a part of an event like this, to hear everyone else’s stories and be recognized alongside so many…I’m grateful.”
I asked Tim what he will carry forward from participating in this event. Although the opportunity to spend some time traveling and sightseeing with his wife was near the top of his list of favorites, he also offered the following:
“It was cool to see what upper management is out there doing for us daily. We don’t normally get to see that. We were able to meet with lawmakers and talk about the Public Safety Officer’s Death Benefit. Honestly, I didn’t even realize it existed…but then to learn it exists and find out police officers and firefighters are covered, but we’re not because we work for a private service…that’s not right! We’re all out there working together, on the same scenes, for the same reasons and we all deserve to know our families will be taken care of should something happen.”
Tim’s advice for others in EMS?
“Remember why you got into it, and learn as much as you can about the company you work for and the industry you’re in.”
Congratulations, Tim! We’re proud to have you as part of our EMS team and look forward to the great things you’ll do for EMS in the future.
