A GoFundMe has been created for paramedics that were involved in a collision on Monday, February 2, 2026 in Madoc.
The two full-time paramedics have been identified as Mya Nichols and Zoraiz Rehman of Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services.
Rehman is President of CUPE Local 1842.
The collision happened at approximately 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 62 and Highway 7 while the paramedics were providing emergency coverage in the Bancroft area.
The paramedics were traveling south on Highway 62 when their ambulance was “t-boned by a tractor trailer” which was traveling westbound on Highway 7.
“Mya, who was driving, took the full force of the impact to the driver’s side door.”
“Mya was rendered unconscious at the scene and sustained critical injuries. Zoraiz suffered severe injuries but was able to self-extricate, call 9-1-1, and — in a true testament to his character and unwavering dedication to service — ensure that the two occupants of the tractor trailer involved were safe.”
The GoFundMe said the rural intersection can mean prolonged response times if the local ambulance is committed to a incident.
“On this day, someone was looking out for them. Another HQPS crew was only five minutes behind them returning from Bancroft. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Central Hastings detachment, located mere meters away, responded immediately and called for expedited emergency personnel and ORNGE air ambulance support.”
Paramedics came to the rescue of their own partners, colleagues and friends.
“Under unimaginable stress and heartbreak, every responder on scene demonstrated extraordinary strength, skill, and professionalism. Because of their rapid and exceptional care, both medics were transported to Belleville General Hospital where they were stabilized. Mya was then airlifted to Kingston General Hospital, while Zoraiz was transported there by land, once again in the care of his peers, so they could both receive advanced trauma care.”
On February 4, Rehman was discharged from hospital, but faces a long and difficult recovery. He has sustained multiple spinal fractures, internal injuries, and severe contusions. Beyond the physical trauma, he carries the emotional weight of not only being injured himself, but witnessing his paramedic partner in critical condition.
Nichols remains in critical condition in the ICU. She suffered multiple small brain bleeds, which have miraculously stopped on their own. Her intracranial pressures are being closely monitored and remain stable. While there is still uncertainty surrounding the full extent of her injuries, she has already made meaningful progress — giving her family, friends, and our entire CUPE 1842 and HQPS family cautious but real hope.
The GoFundMe has been created with the full permission of both families to help offset these expenses and allow them to focus on healing — physically, emotionally, and mentally — without the added burden of financial strain. All funds raised will be divided equally (50/50) between them.
“Both Mya and Zoraiz are phenomenal paramedics. But more importantly, they are extraordinary human beings. They lead with compassion. They serve with integrity. They show up for strangers on the worst days of their lives without hesitation. They would both give the shirt off their backs to anyone in need — and countless times, they have.”
“Now, it is our turn to show up for them.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
