In a testament to tireless dedication and bravery, a paramedic rooted in Chatham-Kent is being celebrated for their contribution in bettering the lives of others.
Vanessa Widdup, a critical care paramedic with Ornge Air Ambulance, is this year’s recipient of the Public Hero Award for “those who go above and beyond in promoting diversity, altruism, dedication, and community involvement.”
"I never would have thought in a million years that I would be receiving a hero award," said Widdup. "When you think of a hero, you think of Superman or Batman, but for someone to actually consider me a hero, it is very gratifying."
Widdup will be recognized for her service and commitment at the Public Heroes Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 25 at the Paradise Banquet & Convention Centre in Vaughn, Ontario.
"I was in a very bad car accident in high school," said Widdup. "Ever since that moment, I thought to myself, these people are the reason why I am alive still and I chose this path because of that event in my life."
After spending most of her career in land ambulances, Widdup took a position with Ornge in 2016 based out of Sioux Lookout. There she and her team provided care and services to Indigenous communities, as well as in Thunder Bay and Kenora.
"I find helping people is so gratifying," said Widdup. "Being able to contribute to the community and being able to help anyway I can medically for whoever is vulnerable and in need."
She transferred to Chatham-Kent in 2020 when Ornge started operating on a temporary basis to support COVID-19 operations.
During the pandemic, Widdup took part in Operation Remote Immunity, where Ornge staff distributed and administered vaccines to northern, remote First Nations communities.
A permanent Critical Care Land Ambulance program opened in Chatham-Kent in 2022, marking the program's first official expansion since its inception in 2008.
"That was an incredible experience and something I am very proud of," said Widdup. "It was a time where everyone was very frightened and we were transferring the sickest patients around. I am very privileged to be a part of that."