Heroes Agency Instructor Spotlight

Christopher Johnston — Paramedic, Preceptor, and EMS Instructor: Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association

Christopher Johnston is a paramedic, preceptor, and EMS instructor with Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association, bringing 15 years of experience in public safety. He views active bystandership as the courage and responsibility to step in when something is not right, while maintaining professionalism, trust, and respect. His motivation for supporting the Heroes program comes from a belief that strong teams are built before critical moments arise. By equipping providers with the tools to speak up early and support one another, he aims to foster a culture where individuals feel confident, valued, and motivated to come to work regardless of who they are partnered with.

Through his work as a Heroes agency instructor, Christopher has found it especially rewarding to see providers recognize that active bystandership is not just a concept, but something they can apply in real-world situations. He emphasizes that culture safety is just as important as patient, scene, and provider safety. By working through realistic scenarios, participants begin to understand that speaking up does not have to be confrontational. Instead, it can take the form of simple actions like checking in, redirecting a conversation, or supporting a colleague. These small but meaningful interactions help strengthen accountability, professionalism, and team cohesion.

Christopher identifies fear as the biggest barrier to active bystandership, as individuals may worry about damaging relationships or being perceived negatively. He addresses this by making training practical and approachable, reinforcing that intervention often involves subtle, supportive actions rather than dramatic confrontation. In an industry built on trust and quick decision-making, he believes active bystandership is essential to maintaining both team culture and safety. He has seen how training can shift mindsets, helping people feel more comfortable looking out for one another. Outside of his professional role, he is known for fully committing to the work he cares about, often developing ideas to better support providers, and he values the steady support of his wife, who plays an important role in helping him stay grounded.