Veteran Paramedic Pat Bellisle Retires After 50 Years of Service

Pat Bellisle, a dedicated paramedic from Saskatchewan, will retire on March 31, 2024, after an impressive 50 years in the field. His career has spanned significant changes in emergency medical services, moving from basic first aid to advanced care practices. Bellisle recalls his early days, stating that the first ambulance he worked in was a 1961 GMC panel truck equipped with only two oxygen tanks and a stretcher.

Reflecting on his beginnings, Bellisle noted, “When I first started it was first aid. Not much that you could actually do, just basically bandage and CPR.” His passion for the profession led him to become an advanced care paramedic shortly after the role was established in the 1970s. He proudly graduated from his college’s second-ever class for this position.

Bellisle began his career in Alberta, where he served as the assistant director of the Medicine Hat Ambulance Service. One notable event he recalls is a train wreck incident in Medicine Hat, which required a significant evacuation. “There was the evacuation of all of Riverside area. It turned out my partner and I were the only ones that transported an actual patient out of the train wreck,” he said. This incident was documented by Carleton University at the time, highlighting the challenges faced by paramedics during emergencies.

After moving to Prince Albert 38 years ago, Bellisle witnessed substantial growth in the paramedic workforce. He shared that when he first arrived, there were only eight full-time paramedics and 14 casual staff. “Now we’re pushing the 100-mark. Plus, we have dispatch as well,” he explained, emphasizing the evolution of the service in the community.

Throughout his career, Bellisle has cherished the numerous individuals he has encountered, from patients to fellow healthcare workers. He expressed particular pride in having assisted many centenarians, including one memorable patient who was “the last midshipman out of England that actually was on and trained on a sailing ship.”

As he prepares for retirement, Bellisle is excited about spending more time in his community and enjoying leisurely walks with his dog. His dedication and service have not only shaped his career but have also significantly impacted the lives of many he has served over the decades.

The retirement of Pat Bellisle marks the end of an era in Saskatchewan’s emergency medical services, reflecting both the history of the profession and the progress made in providing care to those in need.