Huron County, Ontario – The Medical Director’s Commendation Award is awarded to paramedics who have been recognized for delivering exceptional care to patients in a prehospital setting. This year, this prestigious award has been presented to County of Huron Paramedic, Zia Khogyani.
The award is based on a nomination by a peer, service administration, chart auditor, hospital physician, or SWOBHP medical director. Nominations can include those who facilitate the delivery of excellent prehospital care, provide exemplary care that goes above the call of duty, or deliver outstanding care in a challenging call.
“On behalf of Huron County paramedic services, I congratulate Zia Khogyani on receiving this much deserved award!” said Jeff Horseman, Chief of Huron County Emergency Services. “Zia has always been willing to enhance his skills, teach others, and give back to our community. Time and time again, Zia has gone above the call of duty and provided exceptional service to patients in urgent need. I am proud to have Zia on our paramedic team.”
About Zia
Zia was originally drawn to the field of paramedicine after being invited on a ride-a-long with a volunteer firefighter. On that call, Zia witnessed someone being resuscitated by paramedics, and in that moment, Zia knew that he wanted to make paramedicine his life’s work.
Since that call, more than 20 years ago, Zia has built a remarkable career that includes service in paramedicine, firefighting, flight paramedicine, correctional services and paramedic education. He has worked as a paramedic locally as well as throughout Ontario, the United States, and in Iqaluit, Nunavut. In Nunavut, Zia worked with the Baffin Regional Medevac on the Advanced Care Fixed-Wing Ambulance Service team, providing paramedicine to underserved and remote areas. In this role, Zia twice endured unscheduled, hastened and, unpowered landings and was even once stalked by a polar bear.
In addition to his vast professional experience, Zia brings extremely valuable language skills to his role in paramedicine. Zia has lived in 5 different countries and competently speaks multiple languages. English is Zia’s third language.
Zia is currently on the board of advisors for the Primary and Advanced Paramedic Programs at Fanshaw college and continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter for the Ripley-Huron Fire Department. Zia lives with his wife and young son, and together they enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and snowshoeing in their spare time.
Zia’s personal motto is “be the best at whatever I do” and he has certainly spent his career rising to that personal ambition. The County of Huron is proud to have Zia Khongyani on the paramedic team.
“Zia’s dedication to delivering exceptional patient care has resulted in such well-deserved recognition,” said Warden Glen McNeil, “His drive and ambition will be an inspiration to others. Thank you for being such an inspiring leader in the field of Paramedicine.”
The County of Huron asks the community to continue respecting all public health guidelines, including performing hand hygiene, practicing physical distancing, and wearing masks. Stay informed on the COVID-19 situation in Huron County by visiting the Huron-Perth Public Health website.