By Brigitte Ruthman
The Register Citizen
DANBURY, Conn. — The emergency medical services community is mourning the death of one of its own, former paramedic and regional EMS coordinator Blair Balmforth.
Balmforth, 41, of Bethel, died this week, Danbury Hospital officials said.
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He held an active license as a paramedic and an EMS instructor, though it wasn’t immediately clear Thursday where or whether Balmforth was employed at the time of his death.
Balmforth was the former regional EMS coordinator for Danbury and New Milford hospitals, part of Nuvance Health, and worked with the company for more than 20 years before leaving this spring, a spokesperson said.
” The Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital family mourns the loss of a former colleague, Blair Balmforth,” Nuvance Health spokesperson Andrea Rynn said. “Blair was a cherished and vital part of our EMS community, working closely with teams across the region for many years. His kindness and dedication left a lasting mark on all who worked with him.”
An announcement of his death on the Danbury Hospital Emergency Medical Services network on Thursday described Balmforth as a “dedicated paramedic whose life embodied service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his community.”
“He was known not just for his clinical skills, but for his warmth, quick smile, and ability to brighten any room he entered,” the announcement through the medical services network added. “Whether walking into the Danbury ER or arriving on scene, Blair carried with him a presence that reassured everyone around him. He will be remembered for the empathy and humanity he brought to every interaction — qualities that defined his career as much as his medical expertise.
“Blair was a lifelong learner who pursued his training in emergency medical services with dedication. He consistently went above and beyond to support both patients and fellow medics, always ready to lend a hand, share knowledge or offer encouragement,” the post continued.
Outside of work, Balmforth was known for his infectious laugh, his sense of humor and the deep friendships he cultivated, the post said.
“He was someone people naturally turned to in both moments of crisis and celebration,” the post said. “His legacy will be remembered through the lives he touched, the patients he helped and the strong community bonds he helped build. Blair Balmforth was more than a paramedic — he was a source of strength, joy and inspiration to all who knew him.”
A separate post by the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics echoed the tributes to Balmforth.
“He approached every call with a rare blend of skill and heart, embodying the highest ideals of care and service,” the post stated. “To know Blair was to witness someone who led with empathy and lived with intention.”
He was a former employee at American Medical Response Ambulance in Waterbury.
“Blair treated every patient with kindness and every co-worker with love and respect. And he was deeply loved in return,” AMR said in a statement.
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