20 Survivor Day Stories

The stories of 20 survivors and those who helped save them were shared during the Essex-Windsor EMS and Southwest Ontario Regional Base Hospital Program 13th Annual Survivor Day.

The event, held October 16, 2026 at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts, celebrated survivors of trauma and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in 2025.

Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics provided life-saving resuscitative interventions to 20 patients in 2025. The cases celebrated at Survivor Day highlight how the quick, informed actions of those on the scene and the medical skills of paramedics can save lives.

As well as the 20 survivors, those recognized at Survivor Day included 70 Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics, 53 firefighters, seven ambulance communications officers (ACOs), six members of the public, two paramedic students and seven police officers.

Three rescues involved the use by bystanders of a publicly available Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

During the ceremony, survivors who attended were presented with rolled up and bottled printouts of their heart rhythms taken by paramedics. Those involved in saving them were presented with Essex-Windsor EMS “save” pins.

Below are the 20 cases, as presented at Survivor Day:

Case Number 1

Paramedics: Michelle Benjak, Shelby Curran.

Paramedics were called to the scene for a patient experiencing chest discomfort. Paramedics Michelle and Shelby quickly determined that the patient was experiencing an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. They initiated cardiac care, including the application of defibrillator pads. During extrication, the patient became unresponsive and pulseless. Michelle and Shelby promptly analyzed the patient’s cardiac rhythm and delivered one shock, resulting in the return of spontaneous circulation. The patient regained consciousness and remained stable for the duration of their care. Through Michelle and Shelby’s prompt assessment and intervention, a life was saved.

Case Number 2

Paramedics: Patrick Biczysko, Erica Geminelli, Suhaib Hammoud, Nick Jovanovic, Matthew Moore, Iuliana Tibrianu.

Windsor Firefighters: Joseph Cassar, Anthony Dib, Anthony Kouzoukas, Harry Stannard.

Emergency services were activated for a pedestrian who had been struck and trapped underneath a vehicle. Through the hard work and collaboration of Windsor firefighters Joseph, Anthony, Anthony and Harry, along with Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics Patrick, Erica, Suhaib, Nick, Matthew and luliana, the patient was successfully extricated from beneath the vehicle and treated for life-threatening injuries. Their coordinated efforts contributed to saving the patient’s life. This case demonstrates the professionalism, teamwork and interagency collaboration required to achieve a positive outcome.

Case Number 3

Paramedics: Tyler Ceballo, Nathan MacMillan.

ACO: Katherine Lessard.

Windsor Firefighters: Meghan Hogan, Mitchell Hudvagner, Bradley Mihalik, Andrew Peterson, Christopher Tremblay.

911 was called for a person reported to be in cardiac arrest at a public location. Ambulance Communications Officer Katherine calmly and diligently guided bystanders through the administration of CPR, while assisting them in locating an automated external defibrillator (AED) that was on site. Prior to the arrival of emergency responders, the bystanders delivered one shock using the AED. Windsor Firefighters Meghan, Mitchell, Bradley, Andrew and Christopher arrived and found the patient unconscious but with a pulse. Upon the arrival of Paramedics Tyler and Nathan, the patient was beginning to regain consciousness but continued to require emergency medical intervention, including IV initiation, fluid resuscitation and airway management. This case underscores the vital importance of public access AEDs in our community and the lifesaving difference they can make when people are willing to step forward to use them. The immediate actions of the bystanders, together with the professional response of the Ambulance Communication Officer, firefighters and paramedics, directly contributed to saving a life and, together, serve as a powerful reminder that early intervention is crucial.

Case Number 4

Paramedics: Stephanie Amort, Ashley Lemay, Matthew Renaud.

ACO: Samuel Gourley.

LaSalle Firefighters: Brian Bartlett, Craig Lussier, John Macneil, Luke Meloche, Justin Price, Gerry Seguin, Jason Shinkar.

LaSalle Police: Kristy Assef, Sean Bear, Christopher Bedard, Jimmi Hanna, Justin Pare.

Bystander: Stephen Saunders (father).

When parents Cheryl and Stephen Saunders noticed their adult daughter Sarah struggling to breathe, Cheryl called 911. Stephen almost immediately began performing CPR. Within about four minutes LaSalle Police officers Sean and Christopher arrived to take over CPR duties. A few minutes later LaSalle Fire personnel arrived and continued life-saving efforts, using an AED to restart Sarah’s heart. Paramedics Matthew, Stephanie and Ashley took over from there, and minutes later were happy to be able to hold conversations with a now fully conscious Sarah en route to hospital. Stephanie deflected all praise to Stephen Saunders: “Her Dad, Mr. Saunders, saved her life – a hundred percent. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know what her outcome would have been, because he started CPR right away.” By way of thanking all the first responders who helped to save Sarah’s life, Stephen bought them each a metal key fob with the inscription: “May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make.”

Case Number 5

Paramedics: Douglas Bryant, Debra Lassaline, John Rinaldi Ross.

Student Paramedic: Wesley Hearn.

Windsor Firefighters: Kyle Kellam, Scott Killen, Nicholas Niforos, Jason Piper, Evan Sinclair.

Emergency Services were activated for an unconscious individual at a private residence, where a family member was performing CPR. Upon arrival, paramedics Douglas, Debra, John and their student Wesley identified a slow, weak pulse before the patient subsequently deteriorated into cardiac arrest, requiring advanced cardiac life-support interventions. Windsor firefighters Kyle, Scott, Nicholas, Jason and Evan assisted with patient care and extrication, demonstrating effective teamwork and collaboration throughout the emergency response.

Case Number 6

Paramedics: Amanda Atkinson, Christina O’Neill, Kaitlynne Rawlings, Michael Sherwood, Natalie Turner.

Paramedics Amanda, Christina, Kaitlynne, Michael and Natalie responded to an emergency involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, paramedics performed critical, life-saving interventions, including a needle thoracostomy, which contributed to the successful resuscitation and survival of the patient.

Case Number 7

Paramedics: Nathan Breen, Bradley Humber.

ACO: Lauren Carter.

Lakeshore Firefighters: Keith Carter, Kailyn Renaud, Pat Robak.

Ambulance Communications Officer Lauren received a call for an unconscious individual at a workplace. Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest, Lauren calmly guided bystanders through performing high-quality CPR until emergency services arrived. Paramedics Nathan and Bradley initially found the patient in cardiac arrest but subsequently identified a slow, weak pulse. Following administration of cardiac medications and fluid resuscitation, the patient stabilized and regained consciousness. Lakeshore firefighters Keith, Kailyn and Pat played a vital role in supporting patient care. The collaborative, life-saving efforts of all involved contributed to a positive patient outcome.

Case Number 8

Paramedics: Madeline MacDonald, Matthew Moore, Raymond Prieur, Inkaran Ramesh, Matthew Temporal, Alicia Wilson.

Paramedic Student: Ella Girard.

LaSalle Firefighters: Rick Malott, Mike O’Bright, Ryan O’Neill, Josh Tousignant.

Bystander: Krystal McAlpine (wife).

After awakening at 3:30 a.m. to begin packing for an out-of-town hunting trip, William (Don) McAlpine collapsed in a spare room upstairs. Wife Krystal thought the sound she heard was odd, and investigated – finding her husband on the floor, making a faint groaning sound, pupils dilated, and soon not breathing at all. She called 911 and immediately began CPR, which she had to learn for two jobs. Alicia, Madeline and Ella were the first responders who arrived on scene first. They defibrillated William once, and each continued their emergency care duties – with Alicia overseeing chest compressions, Madeline setting up an IV line, and student Ella helping with airway management. “And then we got a ROSC – a return of spontaneous circulation,” Madeline said. “He maintained his rhythm. We did not have to shock him anymore after that.” Madeline pointed out that wife Krystal’s immediate intervention with CPR saved her husband’s life. “You can’t hesitate. You’ve got to do it right away, because every second counts.”

Case Number 9

Paramedics: Brian Boismier, Elyssa Mcleod, Jonathan Silcox, Richard St. Pierre.

Paramedics responded to an outdoor location for a patient in sudden cardiac arrest. Bystanders reported that the patient collapsed suddenly, assessed the patient, identified the cardiac arrest and began chest compressions. Paramedics Brian and Jonathan arrived and assumed care, including one defibrillation, which resulted in the return of spontaneous circulation. Paramedics Rick and Elyssa then arrived and continued care, including the administration of advanced cardiac medications. Through the efforts of everyone involved, a life was saved.

Case Number 10

Paramedics: Amy Lutsch, Dino Soulliere, Tim Taggart, Meaghan Vieira.

ACO: Heather Ryall.

Windsor Firefighters: Christopher Chamko, David DeRush, Christopher Dupuis, Ryan Lee, Calvin McIlwain.

Ambulance Communications Officer Heather received a call from bystanders at the scene of a patient in cardiac arrest. She skillfully guided them through CPR and helped them obtain an AED. Bystanders delivered one shock and continued compressions before paramedics Tim, Dino, Amy and Meaghan arrived, along with Windsor Firefighters Christopher, David, Christopher, Ryan and Calvin. The care team quickly identified two additional shockable rhythms before return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Advanced airway management, intraosseous access, cardiac medication administration and other lifesaving interventions contributed to a successful resuscitation.

Case Number 11

Paramedics: Tyson Brohman, Tyler Glenn, Bradley Humber, Tricia Rousseau.

Windsor Firefighters: Peter Christian, Stephen Durocher, Gideon Hesman, Damian Livingston, John Picco.

Windsor Police: Julia Kowalczykowski, Mitchell Columba.

Emergency services were called to the scene for Hayley following a traumatic incident. Through the coordinated efforts of Windsor Firefighters Peter, Stephen, Gideon, Damian and John; Windsor Police Officers Julia and Mitchell; and Paramedics Tyson, Tyler, Bradley and Tricia, Hayley is here today.

Case Number 12

Paramedics: Michelle Benjak, Shelby Curran.

ACO: Michelle Wielink.

Windsor Firefighters: Cory Bornais, Kirk Rowse, Nicholas Wismer.

Ambulance Communications Officer Michelle received a call from bystanders on scene regarding a patient who experienced sudden cardiac arrest while working on their home. Michelle calmly supported the individuals on scene and guided them through chest compressions, which they continued until paramedics and firefighters arrived. Firefighters Cory, Kirk and Nicholas arrived alongside Paramedics Michelle and Shelby to provide lifesaving care to the patient. First responders applied two defibrillation shocks before return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Paramedics then provided exceptional post-ROSC care, resulting in a life saved.

Case Number 13

Paramedics: Randall Brant, Eric Glos, Suhaib Hammoud, Christopher Nugent, Iuliana Tibrianu.

ACO: Madison Pardo.

Windsor Firefighters: Michael Heikkinen, Andrew Matyjasek, Jacob Pitre, Darren Quennell.

Bystanders came upon the unresponsive patient in an open area and called 911. Ambulance Communications Officer Madison provided calm instructions to the bystanders to begin chest compressions. Madison’s reassuring tone helped the bystanders perform CPR until the arrival of Paramedics Randall, Eric, Suhaib, Christopher and Iuliana, as well as Windsor Firefighters Michael, Andrew, Jacob and Darren. Paramedics identified the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest, prompting swift intervention and the subsequent survival of the patient.

Case Number 14

Paramedics: Nicole Lupton, John Mitrevski, Lilyan Silva.

ACO: Christopher Sankarial.

LaSalle Firefighters: Stephanie Amort, Kale Blanchette, Rick Malott, Mark Seguin.

Bystanders: Jean Meloche, Cameron Meloche, Maureen Taylor.

Despite experiencing brief nausea and heartburn, Karen Lesperance decided to proceed with going to the Zehrs in LaSalle – to pick up cauliflower and grapes. A few steps inside the store, Karen collapsed. Bystanders thought she had merely passed out. Moments later, a nurse with two decades of experience who just happened to follow Karen and her own son Cameron into the Zehrs – Jean Meloche – quickly concluded Karen “was in big trouble, and I instinctively put her on her back and started CPR.” Someone called 911. Assistant store manager Maureen rushed from the back of the store, got the store’s AED, assisted Jean with CPR and attached the AED to Karen. Years earlier, Maureen had helped to save her own husband’s life by successfully applying CPR. They followed the AED’s directions and twice applied shocks to Karen. Paramedics Nicole, Lilyan and John arrived and took over, eventually attaching their Lucas device to continue with CPR. “Karen actually started to open her eyes and move her hands,” Nicole said, “and we stopped CPR and reassessed her … and I knew at that moment that Karen had officially gotten her second chance of life.”

Case Number 15

Paramedics: Amanda Atkinson, Scott Miller, Ahmed Sarwar-Salim.

Paramedics arrived on scene to find a newborn patient in cardiac arrest. Amanda, Scott and Ahmed worked effectively together to perform neonatal resuscitation efforts, resulting in the successful resuscitation of the baby.

Case Number 16

Paramedics: Eric Glos, Wesley Hearn, Geoffrey Mackenzie, Matthew Moore, Christina O’Neill.

Paramedics Eric, Wesley, Geoffrey, Matthew and Christina were called to a private residence for an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, they quickly determined that the patient was in cardiac arrest. The patient was defibrillated once before achieving a return of spontaneous circulation. The patient subsequently lost and regained a pulse multiple times and required several additional shocks before a sustained return of spontaneous circulation was achieved.

Case Number 17

Paramedics: Michelle Benjak, Tyler Ceballo.

Windsor Firefighters: Robert Bailey, James Pukay, David Reisch, Bryan Walmsley.

Bystander: Lorraine Steele Zonjic.

Alexander Zonjic – a world-famous jazz flautist, proud Windsorite and legend on the Detroit jazz scene – was driving with wife Lorraine northbound on Dougall Avenue when they stopped at a red light at West Grand Boulevard – “right next to the Kentucky Fried Chicken,” as Alexander recalled. Then he told Lorraine he felt really dizzy, before passing out. “And in two seconds I knew this was catastrophic,” said Lorraine, a former hospital X-ray technician trained in CPR. “I put the seat as far back as I could … and then just jumped on Alex’s chest and started CPR.” With her cellphone “way down on the passenger side,” Lorraine managed to remain poised, continuing chest compressions while shouting loud enough for nearby drivers to hear her pleas for someone to quickly call 911, which someone did. Within two minutes, paramedics Michelle and Tyler were on scene. They quickly transported Alexander to hospital, where a team of Emergency Room heroes – led by Dr. Matthew Shaw – defibrillated him “five or six times,” Lorraine was told. In so doing, they saved Alexander’s life. “That’s definitely Dr. Shaw just going, ‘No, no, no … I’m going to get this guy back (to life)!’” Lorraine said.

Case Number 18

Paramedics: Carmen Cioffi, Kevin Demarco, Chris Deschaine, Vicki Laframboise.

Family called 911 after the patient experienced chest discomfort. Upon arrival, paramedics determined the patient to be in cardiac arrest. Following defibrillation, advanced airway management and high-quality chest compressions, return of spontaneous circulation was achieved.

Case Number 19

Paramedics: Timothy Branch, Nathan Breen, Jesse Litt.

911 was activated for a patient experiencing intermittent episodes of syncope. Upon arrival, paramedics found the patient conscious and alert. Shortley thereafter, the patient experienced another brief syncopal episode, during which paramedics identified an abnormal cardiac rhythm. The patient subsequently went into cardiac arrest. Through high-quality chest compressions and the administration of cardiac medications, return of spontaneous circulation was achieved.

Case Number 20

Paramedics: Matthew Gosselin, John Rinaldi Ross.

The patient’s family contacted 911 due to chest discomfort and vomiting. Shortly after arriving on scene, paramedics witnessed the patient go into cardiac arrest. Their rapid application of defibrillator pads and prompt defibrillation resulted in a return of spontaneous circulation, referred to as a ROSC. Despite regaining a pulse, the patient remained in a life-threatening cardiac rhythm requiring cardioversion. This intervention successfully stabilized the patient’s cardiac rhythm, and the patient subsequently regained consciousness. Paramedics Matthew and John promptly initiated post-ROSC care, including obtaining a 12-lead ECG that identified an ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Their timely interventions and efficient coordination of care facilitated the patient’s direct transfer to the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The exceptional clinical skills, quick decision-making and teamwork demonstrated by these paramedics were instrumental in achieving this life-saving outcome.