Kevin Newell

Former Deputy Chief, Ottawa Paramedic Service
Ambulance and Emergency Care (Paramedic) – Class of 1985

Kevin Newell has been a leader in modern Canadian paramedicine and an award-winning Deputy Chief Paramedic for the Ottawa Paramedic Service. Kevin is a passionate, dedicated leader advocating for the most effective use of paramedic and emergency resources to meet the demands of our communities.

In 2000, the City of Ottawa amalgamated each of the Ottawa-Carleton ambulance services into one: the Ottawa Paramedic Service. Kevin was the first advanced care paramedic to be hired. He took up a position as Commander of Operations. Just a few years later, Kevin became the Commander of Special Operations, where he trained and mentored paramedics in dealing with extreme situations.

Kevin’s proudest career moment came in 2010 where he was chosen to develop and lead the planning, logistics and training for the overall medical response for international Global Leaders Summits (G8 and G20) in Toronto and Muskoka, Ontario and the Foreign Ministers Meetings in Ottawa. He was commended by the Prime Minister of Canada for his leadership in these events.

Kevin’s passion took him next to the position of Deputy Paramedic Chief, where he led the strategic direction of the Operations Division. Over more than three decades of service, Kevin has taken many lessons to heart. He learned how valuable life truly is. He recalls difficult moments over the years, but he remains resolute. “It has its toll, but I don’t regret it,” he says.