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Peel paramedic members make OPSEU proud

"I want to thank all of our officers, call takers and dispatchers for their continued hard work during this horrific incident @ Bombay Bhel last night. I would also like to thank the professionals of @IAFF1212, @OPSEU277, @Peel_Paramedics for their assistance. #Peel" — Peel Regional Police Association

Toronto (30 May 2018) — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), praised Peel paramedics from OPSEU Local 277 for their great work when an explosive device was set off at Bombay Bhel restaurant in Mississauga on May 24. “Congratulations to all of our Peel paramedic workers for their quick response, and all of their work in helping victims of this senseless crime," Thomas said.

Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU First Vice-President, said “The professionalism and care these members provided is exemplary. They have made everyone in our union proud.”

Paramedics trained to deal with 'organized chaos'

Jason Tremblay, a union steward, was one of the approximately 40 Peel paramedics called to the scene.

“First, we heard there was one person injured, and then that number quickly grew to 4 then 8, to a dozen and more. When I arrived with my partner there were 15 to 20 people sitting out on the sidewalk. I’ve never seen so much blood," said Tremblay.

Tremblay said he was especially proud of the way his members managed the chaos of the event, which meant patients got to the hospital quickly and efficiently. “It was what we call 'organized chaos.' The initial scene time was less than 10 minutes, which is exactly what we aim for.”

The Peel Regional Police Assocaition thanked the paramedics on Twitter, saying “I want to thank all of our officers, call takers and dispatchers for their continued hard work during this horrific incident @ Bombay Bhel last night. I would also like to thank the professionals of @IAFF1212, @OPSEU277, @Peel_Paramedics for their assistance. #Peel."