PEMBROKE — Deputy Chief Michel Ruest of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service has been selected to spend two years working as the Paramedic Services Advisor for Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS), which leads the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP) in partnership with Public Safety Canada.
With over 35 years of experience, Deputy-Chief Ruest will contribute his knowledge and expertise to help progress the paramedic portfolio within the CSSP, a federal program which aims to strengthen Canada’s ability to anticipate, prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters, serious accidents, crime and terrorism through the convergence of science and technology (S&T) with policy, operations, and intelligence.
This temporary assignment will help develop stronger linkages between Canada’s innovation system and the paramedic community to facilitate a greater understanding of current and emerging issues, and support the development of S&T knowledge, tools and advice that address the real needs of today’s paramedics.
“The success of our program efforts is heavily dependent on our ability to engage directly with the end-users and other relevant experts to ensure that we truly understand the needs of the public safety and security community, and are developing the right solutions in the right way,” said Dr. Mark Williamson, Director General, DRDC CSS. “That’s why we created this type of position that allows us to bring in senior officials from police, fire and paramedic services to work with us on a day-to-day basis.”
Deputy-Chief Ruest said, “It is a privilege to be chosen as a voice for my paramedic colleagues, and to have the chance to share my experience and engage with paramedic experts from across Canada to contribute to the important work of the CSSP. I’m very appreciative of the support County Council has demonstrated, which will allow me to make a difference at the national level.”
Director of Emergency Services and Chief of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, Michael Nolan said, “Michel exemplifies the very best of qualities of professionalism and dedication in every aspect of his role with the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service. Without a doubt this experience will not only be beneficial to Michel and our Paramedic Service, but it will further the advancements for the next generation of Paramedics across the country.”
By joining DRDC CSS, Deputy Chief Ruest will continue to build on his predecessor’s efforts – Chief Doug Socha of Hastings County – to advance capabilities in the areas of mobilized health care, evidence-based decision-making, next generation first responder technologies and S&T solutions that address national paramedic requirements.
