Northumberland County's 10th annual Survivor Night celebrated 85 life-saving heroes
Survivor Wilfred Vienot (ninth from left, front row), together with first responders from Lindsay Central Ambulance Communications Centre, Cobourg Fire Department, and Northumberland Paramedics, along with neighbours and friends, all of whom through quick action and collaboration saved his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest in 2024. Photo courtesy of Northumberland County.
By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Northumberland County hosted its 10th annual Survivor Night Monday, an occasion to honour the community's incredible stories of heartbeats restored following cardiac arrest as well as the teamwork that makes these stories possible.
This year, 85 first responders were recognized for their life-saving efforts in the resuscitation of 14 individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in 2024. The event also served as an opportunity to reconnect some of these survivors – and their family members – with the first responders who played critical roles during their emergencies.
The press release spotlighted the story of Wilfred Vienot, who suddenly collapsed at home one day. Bystanders quickly called 911 and began CPR. The result was a seamless collaboration of neighbours, friends, ambulance communications officers, firefighters and paramedics that ultimately saved his life.
Vienot was onstage at Survivor Night to join officials in presenting certificates of appreciation to his neighbours and first responders.
“His story reminds us of the power of the Chain of Survival – how every link in the chain, from community member to first responder, can contribute to turning tragedy into triumph,” the press release said.
Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown said that every life saved serves as “a powerful reminder of the dedication and skill of our first responders, as well as the courage and quick action of the community members.
“Survivor Night is a celebration of these extraordinary moments and the hope they bring. It also underscores the importance of the Chain of Survival – from recognizing cardiac arrest and calling 911 to performing CPR and using a community Automated External Defibrillator, to the involvement of first responders with their training and expertise. Each link in that chain is vital to saving lives.”
“Survivor Night is an opportunity to recognize that behind every life saved is a network of people who acted with courage and care when it mattered most,” Warden Brian Ostrander added.
“Every story shared tonight reminds us that readiness and resilience start long before an emergency happens – in the partnerships, the training and the trust we build together.”
