There were 25 stories of survivors and those who helped save them shared during the Essex-Windsor EMS and Southwest Ontario Regional Base Hospital Program 10th Annual Survivor Day. The event, held May 26, 2023, at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts, celebrated survivors of trauma and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
The 25 life-saving efforts involved 68 paramedics, 40 firefighters, 14 ambulance communications officers, three police officers, 10 bystanders and five students. Two of those cases involved the use of public access defibrillators.
Case 1: January 22
Paramedics — Steven Jacobs, Carman Cioffi and Christopher Deschaine
Student — Robert Woodall
Ambulance Communications Officer — Charlene Love
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Damian Livingston and Matthew Bennett
On Jan. 22, 2022, EMS was called for a patient who was found vital signs absent by a family member. CPR was initiated prior to EMS arrival.
Upon arrival, paramedics Carman Cioffi and Christopher Deschaine continued CPR, applied defibrillator pads to analyze the heart rhythm and inserted an oral airway to assist with breathing. When the advanced care paramedic Steven Jacobs arrived, an IV and advanced airway were inserted, and life-saving medications given. After several tense minutes, a pulse returned. They quickly extricated the patient and began transport to the emergency department. While on route they obtained vital signs, a 12 lead EKG, suctioned the airway and inserted a second IV. Upon arrival at the emergency department, care was transferred to the staff including the physician, respiratory therapist, and multiple nurses.
Case 2: March 1
Paramedics — Barry Mannell, Keith Affleck, Michele Taylor and Wayne Russelo
Ambulance Communications Officer — Jonathon Nader
Bystander — Jason Caravaggio
Survivor — Thomas Boutros
On March 1, 2022, Thomas Boutros was at work completing training with a fellow staff member, Ricki. Boutros reportedly looked at Ricki and said "Oh boy" and collapsed. Ricki ran to get help from Jason Caravaggio, another co-worker, who immediately started CPR.
When paramedics Michele Taylor, Wayne Russelo, Keith Affleck and Barry Mannell arrived, they worked hard to re-establish the patient’s pulse and were successful. Boutros said he owes his life to Jason and the team of paramedics. He wants his wife, Marina, to know that she has been his rock for a very long time and he appreciates all the sacrifices she has made to help him improve his health. He loves his two kids, Matthew and Hannah, and thanks them for all their support and wants them to know that he loves them and Marina very much. Finally, he wants to thank Dominic from Cardiac Wellness Centre for keeping him on track and helping him get stronger. Despite a few setbacks, Boutros finds it hard to put into words how grateful he is to be alive and find closure by meeting those who helped save his life.
Photo: Barry Mannell, Wayne Russelo, Thomas Boutros, Jonathon Nader and Michele Taylor
Case 3: March 28
Paramedics — Robert Injic, Donald Theriault, Rose Pizzuti and Alicia Wilson
Student — Emma Mackie
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Mike Merry and Jason Laughland
On March 28, 2022, EMS was called for a patient who was found collapsed on the sidewalk. When firefighters and paramedics arrived on the scene, CPR was being administered by a bystander who had found the patient. The paramedics and firefighters quickly took over care, applying the LUCAS for automatic chest compressions, inserting an airway to help maintain breathing, analyzing the heart rhythm and shocking the heart five times. Prior to being transported to the emergency department, the patient's pulse returned and the paramedics were able to obtain vital signs.
Photo: Rose Pizzuti, Alicia Wilson, Don Theriault, Mike Merry and Jason Laughland
Case 4: May 5
Paramedics — Wayne Russelo and Keith Affleck
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Anthony Kouzoukas and Calvin McIlwain
Ambulance Communications Officer — Victoria Fawcett-Bice
The patient collapsed outside and was found by their spouse. A bystander walking by initiated CPR under the direction of ambulance communications officer Victoria Fawcett-Bice until firefighters Anthony Kouzoukas and Calvin McIlwain arrived. They inserted an airway, provided oxygen, assisted with respirations, and analyzed and shocked the heart rhythm one time. When paramedics Wayne Russelo and Keith Affleck arrived, they continued with CPR, and analyzed and shocked the heart one more time. After this second shock, they noticed a rhythm change and when they checked the patient's pulse a heartbeat was found. They quickly inserted an IV catheter and were about to transport the patient when they noticed another heart rhythm change. The patient had no pulse. They initiated CPR again, analyzed and administered two more shocks, and began transporting the patient to the hospital. They were able to suction and insert an advanced airway prior to arrival at the emergency department. A report was provided to emergency room staff, who continued life-saving interventions.
Photo: Victoria Fawcett-Bice and Anthony Kouzoukas
Case 5: May 14
Paramedics — Mike Sherwood, Tyler Ceballo and Ryan Daniels
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Corey Livingston and Zachery Shepley
Ambulance Communications Officer — Willow Strain
Bystander — Michelle Cook
Survivor — Robert Campini
On May 14, 2022, at 4 a.m. Robert Campini’s wife Michelle could hear him beside her gasping for air. At first, she thought he was joking around, as he is known for having a good sense of humour. When she realized it was a serious situation, she immediately called 911. With the guidance of ambulance communication officer Willow Strain, she initiated CPR. Firefighters Zachary Shepley and Corey Livingston arrived first, followed by paramedics Mike Sherwood, Tyler Ceballs and Ryan Daniels. The crew inserted an IV and airway, provided lifesaving medications and shocked Robert Campini's heart five times before getting his pulse back.
Campini was transported to the hospital and admitted for observation, as it took 25 minutes before his heart came alive again. One week into his hospital stay, he went into cardiac arrest for a second time and it was determined that he was going into arrhythmias. As a result of this, an internal defibrillator was inserted. Campini said he knows that he would be dead if it had not been for his wife and the first responders. He would like his companion, wife and friend Michelle to know that he is thankful to her for saving his life and is grateful for her and her kids Jade, Callie and Bryson.
Photo: Willow Strain, Mike Sherwood, Michelle Cook, Robert Campini, Tyler Ceballo and Corey Livingston
Case 6: May 18
Paramedics—Tiffany Koniecki and Cassidy Morrow
Tecumseh Fire Rescue Service — Tyson Brohman, Mike Ditty, Rob Malone, Dan Redmond and Jason Coates
While outside with family members this patient had syncopal episode. The family was able to assist the patient to the ground and quickly determined the patient did not have a pulse, so 911 was activated. Upon arrival, paramedics Tiffany Koniecki and Cassidy Morrow quickly moved the patient into their truck and started CPR. They applied defibrillator pads and analyzed the heart, which showed a rhythm that needed to be shocked. They suctioned the airway, and inserted an oral airway and an IV catheter. They analyzed the heart, which kept varying in rhythm, which resulted in one no shock and then two shocks. Prior to starting transport, they noticed a strong carotid pulse. They were able to obtain vital signs and a 12-lead EKG prior to transporting to the emergency department. While on route, they continued to monitor vital signs, the heart rhythm and the airway with assistances from Tecumseh firefighters.
Photo: Tyson Brohman, Mike Ditty, Tiffany Koniecki, Dan Redmond and Jason Coates
Case 7: May 18
Paramedics — Tyler Ceballo and Amy Lutsch
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Zachary Livingston and Benjamin Rae
This was a dynamic call involving a patient who suffered a medical emergency while driving, resulting in a collision. Windsor firefighters arrived on scene first and extricated the patient from the vehicle. Then they applied oxygen and noted the patient had no vital signs. Firefighters Zachary Livingston and Benjamin Rae rapidly applied their AED and delivered one shock prior to EMS arrival. Paramedics Tyler Ceballo and Amy Lutsch arrived just as the firefighters were delivering a second shock and took over care. They applied the LUCAS to assist with chest compressions, inserted an IV and administered life-saving drugs, which led to a return of pulse. The crew obtained vital signs and a 12-lead EKG, and continued to monitor for any changes while on route the emergency department.
Photo: Benjamin Rae, Amy Lutsch and Tyler Ceballo
Case 8: June 27
Paramedics — Matt Oades, Kristen Lo Mascolo and Viktor Burany
LaSalle Fire Service — Luke Meloche, Joshua Tousignant, Kody Lauzon, Cpt. Justin Price, Rick Malott and Deputy Chief Mark Seguin
Ambulance Communications Officer — Michelle Wielink
On June 27, 2022, this patient was not feeling well, so laid down to rest and feel better. A couple of hours later, the patient was found unresponsive by a family member. The family member called 911 and started CPR at the directions of the ambulance communication officer. Paramedics were the first to arrive and quickly began treating the patient by inserting an oral airway and analyzing the heart, which required a shock. They applied the automatic CPR device, inserted an IV, analyzed the heart again and administered life-saving drugs. After several minutes of continued CPR, the paramedics noticed a return of circulation and pulse. The crew obtained vital signs, a 12-lead EKG and, with assistances from LaSalle firefighters, extricated and loaded the patient into the ambulance for transport. While on route, the patient was continually monitored for changes in condition and then care was transferred to emergency department staff.
Photo: Mark Seguin, Michelle Wielink, Kristen Lo Mascolo, Justin Price, Josh Tousignant, Rick Malott and Luke Meloche
Case 9: July 8
Paramedics — Nisreen Perrault and Adam Droski
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Benjamin Palumbo and Jacob Pitre
Ambulance Communications Officer — Jordan Ebare
Bystander — Silvio McGraw
Survivor — Charles Durocher
On July 8, 2022, Charles Durocher was relaxing in his chair watching TV and had just closed his laptop, when his wife Debbie heard a gurgling sound so went to check on him. She realized something was wrong and ran outside to ask their neighbour Silvio for help. Silvio ran into the home and started CPR at the direction of ambulance communications officer Jordan Ebare. Firefighters Benjamin Palumbo and Jacob Pitrewere arrived and took over CPR. When paramedics Nisreen Perrault and Adam Droski arrived, they used the firefighters' AED to provide the first shock prior to attaching their equipment to complete further life-saving measures, which resulted in a return of Durocher's pulse. Durocher had suffered a lack of blood flow in his "widow maker," which caused his heart to stop beating. After being in a coma for three days, Durocher returned home and has made a full recovery. He is looking forward to travelling to the west coast with his trailer and thanks his life-saving team for the service they have provided.
Photo: Benjamin Palumbo, Jacob Pitre, Silvio McGraw, Charles Durocher, Debbie Durocher, Nisreen Perrault and Adam Droski
Case 10: July 21
Paramedics — Tyler Tofflemire, JP Bacon and Nicole Hearn
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Jake Parlette and Timothy Samson
Ambulance Communications Officer — Tina Brimble
On July 21, 2022, the ambulance dispatch centre received a call for a patient who collapsed while staying with friends. Communications officer Tina Brimble provided CPR instructions to the friends until additional help arrived. When Windsor firefighters Jake Parlette and Timothy Samson arrived, they determined the patient had no vital signs and initiated CPR. They inserted an oral airway, and administered two shocks. When paramedics Tyler Tofflemire and Nicole Hearn arrived, they analyzed the heart rhythm, suctioned the airway and shocked the heart once more prior to the arrival of District Chief JP Bacon, an advanced care paramedic. Paramedics then inserted an IV, administered life-saving medications and shocked the patient's heart five additional times. The patient was prepared for a difficult extrication and then transported. While on route to the emergency department, the crew was able to palpate a pulse and obtain vital signs.
Photo: Timothy Samson, Tina Brimble and Jake Parlette
Case 11: July 31
Paramedics — Shawn Arrand, Robert Ulicny, Cathie Driedger and Kailyn Renaud
Tecumseh Fire Rescue Service — Deputy Chief Nicole Fields, Pat Lamont, Mike Long, Brendan Sirianni and Mike Tait Jr.
While enjoying a sporting event the patient collapsed and was determined to have no vital signs by bystanders, who quickly started CPR and called 911. Tecumseh firefighters were at the event and quickly applied the defibrillator pads and administered one shock. The patient's pulse returned. When paramedics arrived, the patient was breathing on their own and had a strong pulse. Paramedics obtained vital signs, suctioned the airway, initiated an IV and obtained a 12-lead EKG prior to transporting the patient. Once on route, the crew monitored vital signs and the heart rhythm for changes, and suctioned the airway as needed. At the hospital, care was transferred to the waiting nurse, doctor, and respiratory therapist, who continued to stabilize patient.
Photo: Mike Long, Mike Tait Jr. and Cathie Driedger
Case 12: September 4
Paramedics — Shawn May, Tyler Ceballo and Sara Szwaczka
Windsor Police Service — Const. John Moynahan
On Sept. 4, 2022, Windsor Police responded to a call after an altercation had taken place. Const. John Moynahan secured the scene and quickly determined EMS was needed. While awaiting their arrival, he maintained pressure on a life-threating injury. When paramedics Shawn May, Tyler Ceballo, and Sara Szwaczka arrived, they took over care and quickly inserted an airway, decompressed the lung, established an intraosseous IV and continued CPR until arriving at the emergency department, where care was transferred to hospital staff.
Photo: Windsor Police Supt. Dan Potvin, Const. John Moynahan, Acting Insp. Paulo DiCarlo and Insp. Jennifer Crosby
Case 13: September 17
Paramedics — Joseph Mollica, Adrien Bezaire and Jordan Evers
Paramedics were dispatched for a patient who had lost consciousness, Upon their arrival, however, the patient was conscious and alert. During their assessment it was determined that the patient had a slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which required immediate attention. While inserting an IV the patient lost vital signs, including a pulse. The quick actions of paramedics Joseph Mollica, Adrien Bezaire and Jordan Evers, including immediate CPR, IV insertion and fluid bolus, resulted in a life saved. The patient was transported and continuously monitored until care was transferred to hospital staff at the emergency department.
Case 14: September 24
Paramedics — Marina Lawrie, Debra Dufour, Cathie Driedger, John Rinaldi-Ross and Leah Panek
Survivor — John G. James
On Sept, 24, 2022, John G. James and his mother Judy were walking in the Erie Street area of Windsor when Judy heard him fall behind her. At first, she thought he had tripped, but when she got closer to him she realized he was not breathing. Judy did not have a phone, so she started yelling for help. Two girls in the area stopped and called 911, and later were kind enough to drive Judy to the emergency department. Paramedics Marina Lawrie, Debra Dufour, Cathie Driedger, John Rinaldi-Ross and Leah Panek attended the scene and worked hard to regain James's pulse. The team provided several shocks to his heart, established a secure airway and provided medications while transporting him to the emergency department, where they handed over care to the staff. James's pulse finally returned in the emergency room. He wants to express his thanks to the health-care team. Judy shared that the paramedics did a "terrific job and were super great."
Photo: Marina Lawrie, John G. James and Cathie Driedger
Case 15: October 21
Paramedics — Nick Chiarappa, Adrien Bezaire, Brad Humber and Liam Loton
Ambulance Communications Officer — Meghan Coletti
Survivor — Cherry Tolentino
It was after midnight On Oct. 21, 2022, when paramedics Nick Chiarappa, Adrien Bezaire, Brad Humber and Liam Loton received the call from communications officer Meghan Coletti for an unknown problem. They arrived to a very frantic scene at a home in downtown Windsor, where they found patient Cherry Tolentino collapsed on her living room floor. She was blue and unresponsive with no pulse. They initiated CPR, analyzed the heart rhythm and inserted an airway prior to Tolentino's pulse returning. They determined the rhythm was not sustainable, so cardioverted it into one that was perfusing. They rapidly loaded her into the ambulance and transported to the emergency room for further care.
The first thing Tolentino remembers is waking up in the hospital’s intensive care unit and seeing the nurses and her sister, who is also a nurse. Cherry was told she suffered a cardiac arrest after a blood clot lodged in her lung and she remained in the hospital for a month to recover. When she was finally sent home, she was determined to learn to walk again with the help of physiotherapists and occupational therapists and two months later she was able to cautiously walk on her own. On April 24 2023, she was able to return to her job as a personal support worker at a long-term care home.
Tolentino said her children described the paramedics who helped save her as superheroes who used their powers to restart her heart. She wanted to say thanks, but she was not sure how to contact them. Then she received the letter inviting her to Survivor Day. She wanted the following message to be shared with the paramedics: “I am very thankful God gave me this second chance at life. I want to thank the paramedics who were there for me at a critical time…. My kids remember and they are happy that there are people who can save lives.”
Photo: Brad Humber, Nick Chiarappa, family member, Cherry Tolentino, family member and Adrien Bezaire
Case 16: November 1
Paramedics — Lauren Dewar, Tim Taggart and Matthew Moore
Student — Madeline MacDonald
Ambulance Communications Officer — Kelly Parker
Paramedics in this case were met outside by a bystander, who advised them the patient was without a pulse and CPR had been started by another individual. Paramedics quickly jumped into action and took over CPR, applied the defibrillator pads and analyzed the heart rhythm. They inserted an advanced airway and established an IV line prior to noticing signs of life and a pulse in the patient. They obtained a set of vital signs and a 12-lead EKG prior to transporting the patient. Once on route they continued to monitor vital signs and administered post-cardiac arrest medications. Care was transferred to the emergency room staff up arrival at the hospital.
Photo: Tim Taggart, Madeline MacDonald and Lauren Dewar
Case 17: November 26
Paramedics — Shawn May, Mike Sherwood and John Rinaldi-Ross
Student — Connor Proeschel
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Eric Bogart and Cory Bornais
Ambulance Communications Officer — Charmine Vandenbrink
On Nov. 26, 2022, ambulance dispatch received a call for patient who did not have a pulse. Communications officer Charmine Vandenbrink provided the family with instructions to initiate CPR and dispatched paramedics. Paramedics and firefighters arrived on scene at the same time to find a patient without vital signs. They collaborated to extricate the patient to an appropriate work space and initiate CPR. A defibrillator was applied, and the heart rhythm was analyzed and shocked. Paramedics Shawn May, Mike Sherwood and John Rinaldi-Ross inserted an airway and established an intraosseous line to administer life-saving medications. At the same time, firefighters Eric Bogart and Cory Bornais continued CPR. Two more heart analyses were performed prior to the crew noticing a return of pulse. The patient's vital signs were returned and were continually monitored during transport to the emergency department.
Photo: Eric Bogart, Charmine Vandenbrink and Mike Sherwood
Case 18: November 24
Paramedics — Meikel Gobet and Sean Hettrick
This case started with call about chest discomfort. Paramedics Meikel Gobet and Sean Hettrick thoroughly assessed the patient, obtained multiple 12-lead EKG’s, established vital signs and an IV lock, and provided the patient with aspirin and nitroglycerin spray to help with the chest discomfort. While on route to the emergency department, they noticed changes to the patient's 12-lead EKG, The paramedics quickly confirmed the patient was experiencing a heart attack. They consulted with the cardiologist and continued to the hospital while continuously monitoring the patient. Upon arrival to the emergency department, the patient suddenly became unconscious and had a change in heart rhythm, which required a shock. Chest compressions were then initiated, shortly after which the patient had a return of spontaneous circulation. The patient was then transferred to the hospital cardiac cath lab for care.
Case 19: November 20
Paramedics — Aaron Thomson, Tammy Allen and Cathie Driedger
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Christopher Shanks and Benjamin Palumbo
Bystanders — Dr. Joslyn Warwaruk and Dr. Kelly Malette
Survivor — Jacqueline St. Louis
On Nov. 20, 2022, Jacqueline St. Louis, who had recently been discharged from hospital with an irregular heartbeat, was at church when she felt weak and light headed. Her Apple watch showed a low heart rate, so she had asked for a wheelchair as she knew she did not have the strength to get back to her car. The last thing she remembers is CPR being started on her. A few weeks prior, her church had obtained a public access defibrillator and a physician attending service that day was able to provide two shocks and start CPR before paramedics arrived. This remarkable story showcases the power of faith and the importance of public access defibrillators. It resulted in many members of the congregation signing up for defibrillator training. St. Louis said she is thankful everyone for their prayers that day, for the quick actions of the physicians who were at the church and the first responders who rushed to the scene. She said she is also grateful for the support of her family. St. Louis, a retired school board employee, was married for 50 years to her late husband and is a loving mother to Dan, Brenda and Lizette. Her faith has carried her through all of life's ups and downs, she said.
Photo: Christopher Shanks, Cathie Driedger, Jacqueline St. Louis, Dan St. Louis and Benjamin Palumbo
Case 20: December 5
Paramedics — Matthew Renaud and Irvin Alvarez
Student — Raenah Barbarossa
Ambulance Communications Officer — Kristi Drake
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services —Stephen Durocher and Kory Ambrose
On Dec. 5, 2022, a 911 call came in about a patient who had no vital signs after complaining of not feeling well. Ambulance communications officer Kristi Drake provided guidance to the patient's partner on how to start chest compressions until additional help arrived. When firefighters Stephen Durocher and Kory Ambrose arrived, they took over CPR, inserted an oral airway and shocked the patient’s heart once. Paramedics Matthew Renaud and Irvin Alvarez, and student Raenah Barbarossa then took over CPR and analyzed and shocked the heart two more times. They inserted an IV catheter and did a third analysis that showed a return of spontaneous circulation and pulse. Vital signs and a 12-lead EKG were obtained prior to departing scene. The paramedics continued to monitor vital signs until they transferred care of the patient to staff at the emergency department.
Photo: Raenah Barbarossa, Matthew Renaud and Stephen Durocher
Case 21: December 5
Paramedics — Matthew Renaud, Cody Armstrong, Jessica Droski, Suhaib Hammoud, Meaghan Vieira, Ziad Fatallah and Slawomir Pulcer
Student — Raenah Barbarossa
Ambulance Communications Officers — Kelly Parker and Kristen Adams
Bystander — Aaron English
This is another case that demonstrates the importance’s of public access defibrillators. Ambulance dispatch received a call for a patient who had collapsed in an arena. With directions from ambulance communicators, a bystander started CPR and used the public access defibrillator to administer one shock. As a result of these immediate reactions, the patient was awake and speaking when paramedics arrived. They gave oxygen to the patient, inserted an IV catheter, established vital signs and began extrication. While on route to the hospital, the patient was monitored, vital signs were closely watched and a 12-lead EKG was obtained. Care was then transferred at the emergency department staff.
Photo: Ziad Fatallah, Raenah Barbarossa and Matthew Renaud
Case 22: December 11
Paramedics — Shawn May, Leah Panek, April Roberts and Michael William Sherwood
Ambulance Communications Officer — Michelle Wielink
LaSalle Fire Service — Logan Panek and Chris Carr
LaSalle Police Service — Sgt. Mauro Tonin, Const. Erena Pesin and Const. Sean Bear
The patient in this case collapsed and was assisted by a family member. The family called 911 and was provided guidance by ambulance communications officer Michelle Wielink on how to initiate chest compressions until additional help arrived. LaSalle Police Sgt. Mauro Tonin, Const. Erena Pesin and Const. Sean Bear took over CPR from the family. Then LaSalle firefighters Logan Panek and Chris Carr took over until paramedics arrived. Paramedics Shawn May, Leah Panek, April Roberts and Michael William Sherwood applied the defibrillator pads and analyzed the patient's heart rhythm, which needed to be shocked. As CPR continued, the airway was suctioned and an advanced airway inserted. One more shock was administered to the heart prior to the patient's circulation and pulse returning. Vital signs were established, a 12-lead EKG obtained, an IV was inserted and a cardiologist was consulted. Once the patient was extricated and on route to the hospital, their condition was continuously monitored until care was transferred to emergency room staff.
Photo: Mike Sherwood, Michelle Wielink, Erena Pesin, Mauro Tonin, Chris Carr and Sean Bear
Case 23: December 4
Paramedics —Tricia Rousseau, Irvin Alvarez, Ioana Melinte, Sarah Bezaire and Amanda Atkinson
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services — Stephan Peters and Eric Vandal
On Dec. 4, 2022, EMS was called for an unresponsive patient found by family. Paramedics determined the patient was without vital signs. They initiated CPR, analyzed the heart rhythm and inserted an advanced airway. An IV was then established and medications administered to help restore the heart beat. Paramedics continued to re-evaluate the heart rhythm and administer drugs until they arrived at the hospital and care was taken over by the emergency department staff.
Photo: Stephen Peters and Amanda Atkinson
Case 24: February 13
Paramedics — Danielle Beauchamp and Tim Warnholtz
Survivor — Thomas Burns
On Super Bowl Sunday 2022, Thomas Burns was not feeling like his normal self and, as he describes it, his neck was "on fire." Eventually, he had a feeling that something really was not right and he asked his wife Jo-Anne to call 911. Paramedics Danielle Beauchamp and Tim Warnholtz responded and assessed Burns. They determined he was having a heart attack and initiated their STEMI protocol. Then they began transporting him to the hospital. While on route, Burns's pulse was lost and his vital signs disappeared. The crew quickly shocked his heart one time, resulting in a return of his pulse and a regular heart rhythm. Upon arrival at the hospital, the crew proceeded to the cath lab, where stents were inserted in Burns's hear. This allowed him to watch the football game from his hospital room. Burns made a full recovery and, with a new outlook on life, plans to retire soon. He hopes to travel to Italy, watch more sports games with his sons, Kyle and Corey, and one day have grandchildren. Jo-Anne said she is appreciative of the calming reassurance the paramedics provided, and she and Thomas are grateful to have each other.
Photo: Danielle Beauchamp, Thomas Burns and Tim Warnholtz
Case 25: June 22
Paramedics — Wendy Willis and Lori Poole
One June 22, 2022, paramedics Wendy Willis and Lori Poole responded to a call for a patient complaining of chest pain. After assessing the patient, administering oxygen, obtaining vital signs, providing ASA, inserting an IV and obtaining a 12-lead EKG, they began transporting the patient to the emergency department. While on route, the patient had a change in condition and lost all vital signs. The paramedics quickly pulled over and shocked the patient's heart rhythm to restore it to a normal perfusing rhythm and obtain a return of circulation. They continued to monitor the patient until they arrived at the emergency department and then the cardiac cath lab.
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