The Loss of 'Another' Paramedic

As many of us know, British Columbia has been grappling with a devastating epidemic of paramedic deaths by suicide. Individuals are still struggling to secure adequate mental health supports to address their needs and the inevitable impacts of complex, demanding careers.

When paramedics fail to receive trauma-informed care, the gap that emerges is shouldered by those around them as invisible labour. A grinding myriad of unpaid acts of love, hope, kindness, and/or advocacy that cost family systems dearly over the years, predominantly women.

It's expensive to be sick.

To be processing trauma.

To have cancer.

Or mental health issues.

Or elderly parents.

To be dependent on substances for the will to live.

Or on toxic family systems for survival.

To have unfavourable genetic predispositions, of which there are many.

And especially to attempt to overcome any or all of this with just your mind.

It's metaphorically expensive of course, but also in a very real sense.

And this is why I am here...

On July 23, 2025, BC Ambulance Service paramedic Toby Ellis of Kelowna, BC took his own life following years of mental health struggles. Paula and Nicos, Toby's closest circle for more than a decade, showered him with superhuman acts of love as a family. This continues unabated as they grieve his loss.

Please honour Toby's memory by supporting Paula in navigating an unavoidably heartbreaking and costly series of experiences -- funeral and executor arrangements, inter-provincial travel for Nicos, legal costs, distribution of Toby's belongings and remains according to his wishes, systemic advocacy, and more.

Paula has one of the strongest spirits I know, and an iron-clad inner circle. If you 'want to be there for her'... this is how you can help.

Many thanks in advance.

Who's Asking?

My name is Shannon Bradey. Paula and I have been friends for over 20 years, including our Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) training and working together as Emergency Medical Dispatchers in Vancouver. If you have Qs, please reach out at girlmoss17 {at} gmail.com.