By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland's first responders gathered with survivors of cardiac arrest Thursday evening for the seventh annual Survivor Night ceremony, with Lightning Bolt Awards presented to 51 emergency responders for their role in supporting the successful resuscitation of individuals who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in 2021.
Hosted by Northumberland County, Survivor Night is an opportunity for survivors and their family members to reconnect with the first responders who were there for them.
Michael Tarrington is one such survivor, a man who was working in his garage when he developed a tightness and pain in his chest. He immediately called his wife Lori, who dialed 911. The Central Ambulance Communications Centre co-ordinated the dispatch of paramedics, whose use of specialized equipment gave the diagnosis of a heart attack.
Paramedics immediately started administering medical aid and began transporting Tarrington to hospital for more specialized care but, en route, his breathing stopped. The CPR and defibrillation administered by the crew started his heartbeat again, and his transfer to hospital was completed.
This is one of 10 moving stories shared at Survivor Night that, as the press release stated, “reflected a Chain of Survival involving collaboration between emergency services and, in some cases, critical support from bystanders that led to positive health outcomes.”
Northumberland County Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Moore praised Survivor Night as an opportunity to honour the county's outstanding emergency-services personnel who play a critical role in the community's health and safety.
“The presentation of Lightning Bolt Awards is in recognition of the life-saving care provided by recipients in highly stressful situations and of their exceptional commitment and selflessness in serving the public when we need them most,” Moore said.
Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown reflected on the strength and the impact of the emergency-services teams working on the front lines of the health-care systme.
“Each year, emergency-services teams in Northumberland respond to tens of thousands of calls for help,” Brown said.
“The stories shared tonight are inspiring examples of the care and compassion these professionals demonstrate every time they are called upon to respond to a life-saving emergency.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have these skilled and courageous women and men working in our community and caring for us in our critical hour of need,” Deputy Warden Mandy Martin added.
“It is an honour to recognize the professionalism, expertise and compassion they strive to demonstrate every time they don their uniform. On behalf of County Council, I congratulate all of this year's Lightning Bolt Award recipients who answered the call of duty, putting the needs of others above all else.”
