Niagara loses its EMS Chief to BC

Niagara is about to lose its head of Emergency Medical Services to the lure of the west coast.

After nine years as Chief of the Niagara EMS, Kevin Smith announced yesterday (March 23) he was leaving the region to take a position with the British Columbia Emergency Health Services. His last day in Niagara will be May 6.

Smith started in the region beginning as a paramedic in Niagara after graduating from Niagara College in 1992 and then receiving his Advanced Care Paramedic designation from the Michener Institute in Toronto in 1998.

His departure was felt so deeply at the region that two top officials offered up their respect – Dr. Mustafa Hirji, acting Medical Officer of Health on the health side, as well as Regional CEO Ron Tripp from the administrative side.

“Kevin Smith has been an absolute leader in Niagara, transforming our Emergency Medical Service to a dynamic mobile integrated health operation that is receiving global attention,” said Hirji.

“Moreover, he has been a respected and trusted figure in our community. I thank him for three decades of service to paramedicine in Niagara, and know the people of British Columbia will be well served by him in his new role.”

From Tripp’s perspective, it was Smith’s leadership, professionalism and dedication that was most appreciated.

“On behalf of the Niagara Region, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Kevin for his contributions and commitment to the community of Niagara,” said Tripp, who applauded Smith “as he both led the EMS Team and provided critical support to the entire organization through our response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

In his role as Chief, Smith helped lead in the transformation of Niagara EMS to a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) model of service delivery. This structure includes more than 450 advanced and primary care paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, nurses, occupational therapists, emergency planners, support and administrative staff.

Smith’s new position out west will be as Chief Systems and Strategy Officer for BCEHS starting on May 9.