Guy Tomlinson’s unforgettable Full Circle moment

In an instant, GFL Commercial Director Guy Tomlinson’s world was turned upside down. What had once been a familiar cycling route transformed into a nightmare when a speeding car veered off the road and struck him, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.   

"I wouldn't be here today without the heroic actions of STARS Air Ambulance," Guy Tomlinson reflected. 

Residing in Calgary, Alberta, Tomlinson has 17 years of experience in the waste industry and serves as the GFL Commercial Director for used oil in Western Canada.  

On August 13, 2023, while cycling west of Calgary—a route he had taken many times— Tomlinson was struck by a speeding car. Four days later, he regained consciousness in the hospital, struggling to piece together what had happened. 

After the STARS Emergency Link Centre received the call, the STARS crew was dispatched to the accident scene. In critical condition, Tomlinson was loaded into the helicopter, where he began to flatline. The medical team acted quickly to revive him during the flight to the hospital.   

Upon arrival, he needed immediate resuscitation again. The medical staff contacted his wife who was informed that he might not survive.   

In what can only be described as a miracle, Tomlinson ultimately pulled through after a grueling four-day battle with fluctuating vitals, waking up to find his loving wife by his bedside.   

He sustained serious injuries, including a severe brain bleed, fractured vertebrae, and extensive bodily trauma. Tomlinson spent a month in the hospital, followed by three and a half months in a neck brace. 

"GFL has been incredibly supportive throughout my recovery. Ahmed Taha, our regional vice president of liquid waste west, was among the first to visit me in the hospital, right after my family. My manager, Chris Good, was the first to reach out to my wife, offering any assistance he could. I also received countless messages and calls from colleagues expressing their support and well wishes." Tomlinson shared.   

He returned to work in January 2024 and resumed full-time duties by March. Although the journey has been long, he values being back on the job and continues to attend various appointments to support his ongoing recovery.   

Recently, Tomlinson had the opportunity to present a $10,000 check to STARS on behalf of GFL’s Full Circle Project. To make the moment even more meaningful, he hand-delivered the check to his rescuers, Josh Brewster and Greg Barton—one of the pilots and flight paramedic who helped save his life.   

“It was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. I was overwhelmed with emotion—tears came instantly, along with immense pride and gratitude!” Tomlinson said. “It meant so much to me, and I wanted my wife and dogs in the picture because it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.” 

STARS delivers life-saving emergency support throughout Western Canada, with bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg. Their dedicated team includes doctors, nurses and paramedics that provide expert care through air, ground, and virtual services, ensuring that help is always accessible. 

GFL’s donation will support STARS in their continued mission to deliver crucial care to nearby communities.  

“The Full Circle Project partnership with STARS is something I’ll carry with me forever,” Tomlinson said. “It’s a wonderful way to give back and make a positive difference in our local communities.” 

To get involved with the Full Circle Project visit: https://gflenv.com/full-circle-project/ 

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