Paul Carolan has been appointed CEO of HALO Air Ambulance effective immediately. Carolan is pictured at a recent community fundraising dinner. - SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Paul Carolan has officially been appointed as HALO Air Ambulance CEO effective immediately and will assume the permanent role as he continues to seek partnerships and collaborations to support the non-profit emergency medical services.
Since 2019 Carolan has worked with HALO to build connections with business partners and municipalities to drive important funding for the life-saving air service that also provides the region critical care transport as well as public safety support for fire, police and search and rescue operations.
“He has worked tirelessly to build connections within our communities, foster collaborative partnerships and ensure every life-saving mission is carried out with the utmost safety and compassion,” reads a statement released Jan. 17. “Evolving from years as a contract position, this permanent appointment signifies a future strengthened by stability, resourcefulness and a relentless commitment to service those in need.”
Recently he has been actively working to seal a request for funding with the city and is asking council to approve a grant of $250,000 per year over the next six years in its upcoming budget.
“A key focus will be re-establishing our valued partnership with the City of Medicine Hat, which has historically played a vital role in enabling our mission,” says Carolan. “This partnership is essential to ensuring that the residents of Medicine Hat and surrounding communities continue to receive the critical care service they deserve.”
Starting under a contract position, Carolan quickly rose to the helm of HALO by serving as its executive director before assuming the new role of CEO. Carolan served as assistant coach of the Medicine Hat College Women’s Volleyball team for more than a decade in the late 90’s.
As well, Carolan has been an active volunteer in various emergency services including ski patrol volunteer and search and rescue volunteer.
Earlier in 2024 Carolan was appointed Chair of the Medicine Hat Police Commission that oversees the Medicine Hat Police Service.
In the press release, HALO board chair Dale Thacker says Carolan’s vision and tenacity have “propelled” the air ambulance service to new heights by building new partnerships and trust within the region’s communities.
“With Paul at the helm, we are poised to lead with innovation, enhance critical services and continue providing life-saving care when needed most,” said Thacker.
“It has been my absolute honour to serve this organization and our community for the past six years. As I step into this permanent position, my priorities will remain clear,” Carolan says. “We will continue strengthening our critical care transportation services, expanding access to life-saving resources and fostering partnerships with our communities and public safety agencies.”
