Lanark County Paramedic Chief Travis Mellema Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Press Release – Mississippi River Health Alliance

Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) Chief Travis Mellema has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a distinguished honour recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities. 

Established in 2023, the King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to Canadians who have demonstrated a lasting impact in public service and community leadership. Chief Mellema's career in paramedicine has been defined by his tireless advocacy, healthcare initiatives, and commitment to both patient care and paramedic well-being.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this medal, but the true recognition belongs to our entire team,” said Mellema. “The dedication and innovation of our paramedics, leadership, and community partners have made these programs a reality. We remain committed to ensuring these essential services continue for the residents of Lanark County.”

Under Chief Mellema’s leadership, LCPS has introduced programs that have transformed healthcare accessibility in Lanark County, ensuring that patients receive critical care when and where they need it most. Some of these initiatives include:

Community Paramedicine and Outreach Programs – Expanding beyond traditional emergency response, LCPS paramedics now provide in-home healthcare services, chronic disease management, and urgent care interventions to vulnerable populations.

Palliative Care Paramedicine – Supporting patients with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring they receive compassionate, end-of-life care in location of choice, reducing hospital admissions while respecting their wishes.

Mental Health and Workforce Safety Advocacy – Strengthening support systems for paramedics, including direct access to clinical psychologists, expanded peer support networks, and new measures to combat workplace violence.

Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program – Overseeing Lanark County’s AED registry, ensuring up-to-date information on AED locations is available to ambulance communications officers so bystanders can be quickly directed to a nearby unit during a cardiac emergency. 

These initiatives have improved patient outcomes and enhanced emergency medical services across Lanark County, ensuring that paramedics can provide advanced, compassionate, and community-focused care.

His leadership has been widely recognized in the healthcare community. Mary Pat Bingley, a retired RN and Chair of the Lanark County Victim Services Board, emphasized the profound impact of these programs:

"The programs introduced under Travis's leadership – community paramedicine, palliative care, and outreach – have been the most impactful change to healthcare in Lanark County in over four decades.  These services and supports have transformed access to care for those who need it most,” she said.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is reserved for individuals who demonstrate excellence in public service, shaping the future of their fields through dedication and innovation. Chief Mellema’s contributions to paramedicine, his advocacy for healthcare advancements, and his unwavering commitment to supporting both his patients and his colleagues make him an exemplary recipient of this prestigious honour.