February 2026

Emergency Response Professionalism

On Sunday, November 30, 2025, a serious medical emergency occurred at Atrium on Bay. Shift Supervisor Andrew Hartley and Security Guard Isai Lopez Santos were advised that an individual was unresponsive on the floor near an entrance. They immediately attended the location and found the individual face down and not responding.

The team quickly began first aid procedures. Security Guard Michael Tosu arrived shortly after with the first aid bag and AED. The individual was repositioned onto their back, and S/S Hartley began chest compressions. At the same time, SOC Operator Saikumar Dade placed a 911 call to request emergency medical response.

When chest compressions paused briefly, S/G Lopez Santos administered naloxone. The individual was observed gasping for air but then went unresponsive again. S/G Tosu immediately took over chest compressions and administered a second dose of naloxone. The individual took a deep gasp of air but did not regain full consciousness.

The security team prepared to apply AED pads by removing the individual’s outer clothing. Before the pads were placed, emergency responders arrived on scene and took over patient care. CPR continued, and paramedics established an IV.

Responders advised the security team that the individual was lucky to be alive. The individual was placed on a gurney and transported to hospital. Based on the outcome, the individual remains alive due to the fast, calm, and coordinated actions of the security team— S/S Andrew Hartley, S/G Isai Lopez Santos, and S/G Michael Tosu.

Reminder: All Paragon employees should contact their service team at least 60 days before their First Aid certificate expires, to ensure they are booked into an upcoming class.

Cold Weather Safety

As temperatures begin to fall, keeping warm while working in an outdoor environment becomes increasingly difficult—and increasingly important. Cold weather can affect key aspects of a Security Guard’s safety while onsite, including concentration, mobility, and dexterity. For this reason, it is essential to stay warm and understand the signs of cold stress.

Staying warm starts with proper clothing. Wearing layers, such as thermal or fleece garments under your uniform, helps trap body heat and provides flexibility as conditions change. The Paragon Uniform Department offers a range of cold weather clothing, including sweaters, toques, and parkas, to help guards remain protected during winter conditions.

During the winter season, Security Guards may be required to conduct outdoor patrols or work extended periods in outdoor posts. Exposure to cold temperatures increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, making awareness critical. Preventing cold stress illnesses can be straightforward: take breaks from the cold whenever possible, add layers of clothing, and drink a hot beverage to help maintain body temperature. If symptoms worsen, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Frostbite include reduced blood flow to the hands and feet, numbness, tingling or stinging, aching, and skin that appears pale, bluish, or waxy.

Early symptoms of hypothermia may involve shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, and disorientation. Late symptoms can include the absence of shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Recognizing these signs early can help protect your health and safety during cold weather operations.

Winter Road Driving

Winter weather can change quickly, and even familiar routes can become hazardous. Taking time to prepare before you leave and adjusting how you drive can significantly reduce your risk on snowy or icy roads.

Before setting out, check the weather forecast and consider delaying your trip if conditions look poor. In Ontario, Ontario 511 is a valuable resource for up-to-date road conditions and snowplow activity. You can access it online, by calling 511 using a hands-free, voice-activated phone, or by following @511Ontario on Twitter. Before you drive, clear all ice and snow from your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof to ensure proper visibility and prevent snow from blowing onto other vehicles.

Once on the road, slow down and stay in control. Many winter collisions happen because drivers are travelling too fast for conditions. Avoid using cruise control on wet, snowy, or icy pavement, as it reduces your ability to react. Steer gently, brake smoothly, and avoid sudden acceleration. If your vehicle begins to skid, ease off the brakes and steer in the direction you want to go, taking care not to overcorrect.

Leave extra space between you and other vehicles, since stopping distances increase on slippery surfaces. Stay focused and avoid distractions. Watch the road surface closely—black, shiny pavement may indicate ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and in shaded areas.

Visibility is critical. Use your vehicle’s full lighting system in poor conditions. If visibility becomes dangerously low, pull over safely and wait for conditions to improve.

Finally, be patient around snowplows and winter maintenance vehicles with flashing blue lights. Never pass a working snowplow. Give them space, slow down, and remember that safer roads take time to clear.

Alan Hayward Memorial Award

The Mohawk College Alan Hayward Memorial Award is presented each year to Mohawk College’s most outstanding guard. For 2025, we’re proud to recognize this year’s recipient: Armaan Singh Gill.

Armaan has been with Paragon since the summer of 2023 and has consistently proven himself to be a dependable and versatile member of the team. No matter where he’s assigned, Armaan brings the same high standard of professionalism and performance.

Whether he’s stepping in as a Patrol Guard, supporting operations at the Comms desk, acting as Shift Supervisor, assisting as Patrol Supervisor for Team TiCat, or providing VIP coverage at Mohawk Convocation, Armaan continues to excel. His knowledge, attitude, customer service, and decision-making make him a standout in every role.

Congratulations, Armaan, on this well-earned recognition.