On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who make up the Associated Ambulance team. Through their hard work, dedication, and commitment, these women have become pillars of our team, and the impact they have is undeniable. Each woman brings her own unique set of skills, and today, we’d like to shine a spotlight on two outstanding team members: Jewel and Sheila. Both of these women have been with Associated Ambulance for over a decade, and Sheila herself boasts an impressive 20+ years of service. Let’s closer look at their journeys and how they became part of the Associated Ambulance family
Jewel Reierson
Jewel’s story began while sitting in a clinic, awaiting medical attention. She noticed a young boy in a wheelchair. His face was filled with sadness, and his head, strapped in, rested limply against the backrest. Seeing the boy in pain sparked something within Jewel. She realized she wanted to advocate for him and others like him. She thought at that moment that her purpose was to “Make a difference, even if it was just holding someone’s hand.”
Though Jewel’s path didn’t initially lead her directly into healthcare, she eventually pivoted toward it. After studying arts and achieving success in that field, she found herself drawn to a career in healthcare. Along the way, she was fortunate to have incredible mentors who helped guide her. Jewel credits Crystal Szybunka from Whitecourt, Sheila Blackwood from Drayton Valley (you’ll hear more about Sheila later), and Marlana Verhagen, with whom she spent many years working. She is deeply grateful to them and to many others who have supported and inspired her throughout her journey.
When Jewel first joined Associated Ambulance, there were less service areas, and the workforce was predominantly male. Today, with 23 stations spread across over 130,000 square kilometers, women play an integral role in the team. Jewel offers a piece of advice to those in the field: “Be kind to one another.” She stresses the importance of understanding that every 911 call is a life-altering moment for someone, often during their worst times. Each call presents an opportunity to show kindness and make an impact on someone’s life.
Jewel recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or a particular province, territory or region of community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. This accomplishment is something truly special, highlighting Jewel’s dedication and impact.
Sheila Blackwood
Sheila always knew she wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but it wasn’t until a conversation with her best friend, who was becoming a nurse, that she realized that EMS was the better fit for her. Inspired by that conversation, Sheila, a true self-starter, decided to explore the world of EMS and enrolled in a course just two weeks later.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Sheila credits Associated Ambulance for challenging the stigma around gender roles in the industry. She was warned that she might face discrimination simply for being female, with some even suggesting that women didn’t belong in this line of work. However, Sheila has never encountered any barriers within the industry itself. She’s quick to point out that these negative comments came from outside the industry, from those who assumed what women could or couldn’t do in healthcare. Sheila proudly shares that, throughout her career, she’s never been held back by her gender. Associated Ambulance has always been supportive, hiring women since its early days and continuing to foster a diverse, inclusive environment. Sheila also highlights the strong community of women she’s worked alongside, noting that every woman she’s worked with has been inspiring in her own unique way.
Sheila encourages other women to consider a career in paramedicine, emphasizing how rewarding the work can be when you’re committed to making a difference. There are few jobs that allow you to have such a profound impact on the lives of others, and Sheila’s experience has proven just that.
Starting at Associated Ambulance when it was a much smaller organization serving just seven towns, Sheila has seen the company grow into the large, successful entity it is today, and she couldn’t be prouder to be part of that journey. Sheila has also recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This medal is an honour and a true symbol of the hard work Sheila has put into her service as a paramedic.
We want to take a moment to thank all the amazing women on the Associated Ambulance team for their years of dedication and their commitment to making a difference. Without their hard work and determination, Associated Ambulance wouldn’t be the remarkable organization it is today. Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women on our team and to all the inspiring women we’re lucky to know!
