I disagree. Regulatory bodies are required to enforce an Act and almost always, a Code of Ethics. Professionals who violate either of them can face disciplinary action leading to professional revocation in serious situations. However, Acts and Codes do not supersede criminal law, and the charges against the paramedics would have likely still been filed, with the regulatory body then carrying out its own disciplinary process and potential subsequent sanction.

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First responders are heroes. Each and every day, they put themselves in harms way to protect us. They are to be commended for their commitment and hard work. However, those who break the law and do not uphold the standards that they are required to, must face consequences - just like people in other professions. In this case, someone innocent died, and a trial in criminal court is the most appropriate venue to hear why and who is at fault. Ontario should follow the lead of five other provinces and create a regulatory body for paramedics, not just because of Al-Hasnawi, but because, just like many other health-related professionals, people are often highly vulnerable when they need help. That's the purpose of a regulatory body, to protect the public. So while the vast majority of professionals are heroic, hardworking and upstanding citizens, the law and regulatory bodies are there to sanction the few that we, the public believe, have missed that mark.