It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and Kingston Health Sciences Centre is celebrating Kyra Glabb, who has been awarded the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal in Emergency Medical Services.
The medal recognizes outstanding service and dedication in emergency medical services across Canada. In recent years, eligibility was expanded to include ambulance communications officers.
Glabb, who is the operations manager at the Kingston Central Ambulance Communications Centre (KCACC), said she was honoured to receive the recognition.
“I’m not sure it has fully sunk in yet, but I am truly honoured to be considered.”
She received the award at a ceremony held April 7 in Brampton.
Glabb, who has worked at the KCACC for 20 years, said the recognition reflects the work of ambulance communications professionals across the province.
“Ambulance communications officers have long been overlooked in the patient circle of care,” she said. “They are an incredibly dedicated group who put their mental health on the line every day.”
Glabb began her career as an ambulance communications officer and progressed to supervisor before taking on her current role as operations manager. She has played a key role in implementing the Medical Priority Dispatch System, supporting training and credentialling for staff across multiple paramedic services.
Chris Wicklam, director of the Kingston Central Ambulance Communication Centre, said Glabb’s leadership and commitment made her a strong candidate for the award.
“She has dedicated her career to serving the communities supported by our centre,” he said. “She has also been instrumental in mentoring staff and supporting their development.”
Wicklam said the recognition is also significant for the profession, noting this is only the second-year ambulance communications officers have been eligible for the honour.
“As communications professionals, it is important to see this work recognized,” he said. “While they may not face physical risk, they are exposed to mental health challenges shift after shift.”
Two other staff members were also nominated for the medal this year, both advancing through the initial stages of the selection process. Wicklam said their contributions over more than two decades of service are also significant.
Glabb said the recognition also belongs to her colleagues.
“This recognition truly belongs to the entire ambulance communications community and the dedicated professionals I work alongside every day,” she said. “I hope it helps shine a light on the critical role they play.”
