The Second Chance Reunion luncheon is an annual event held during Paramedic Services Week. At this event, cardiac arrest survivors are reunited with the paramedics and others who helped save their lives.
"During medical emergencies paramedics need to act quickly. In most cases, once a patient is transported to hospital the responding paramedic doesn't learn the final outcome of the emergency," said Grey County Director of Paramedic Services Mike Muir. "The Second Chance Reunion is an incredibly special and often emotional event. Having the opportunity to make these connections is rewarding for both the paramedics, and the patients and their families."
One particular save was highlighted at this year's event.
Mrs. Dorothy Vernon thanked Grey County paramedics, OPP officers and the Good Samaritan who helped save her husband Bill's life on February 16, 2017. Just before 2:00 p.m. that afternoon, Bill collapsed into a snowbank near the Blue Mountains municipal office in Thornbury. Bystander Patrick Egan and Acting Sergeant Kevin Cornell of the Ontario Provincial Police began CPR while Constables Richard Law and Ryan Lehr retrieved the Town's automated external defibrillator (AED). One shock was delivered to Mr. Vernon before paramedics arrived.
At 2:11 p.m. Grey County paramedics Curtis Taylor and Amanda Morris arrived and took over care of Mr. Vernon. They attached their defibrillator and continued providing CPR on the way to the Meaford Hospital. After a few minutes Mr. Vernon had a pulse and was starting to breath. When they arrived at the hospital just before 2:30 p.m. Mr. Vernon's heart rate had stabilized.
According to Mrs. Vernon, her husband suffered limited damage to his heart and has been recovering well. Unfortunately her husband was not able to attend but she read a heartfelt message he had written. Mrs. Vernon also extended her family's appreciation and gratitude to everyone who helped save her husband's life.
Those involved in the call were recognized at the luncheon on Thursday, including Communications Officers Alicia Cresswell, Lindsay Kakosz and Tracey White from the London Central Ambulance Communication Centre.
The Second Chance Reunion Luncheon is also an opportunity to recognize others within and without of Paramedic Services for their contributions to the service and public health. "Saves" are awarded to anyone who helps a patient survive cardiac arrest. "Stork" awards are given to those who have responded to a call where a baby is delivered. Director's Awards are given to paramedics who have shown tremendous professionalism and gone above and beyond in the line of service. Lastly, Special recognition is given to groups or individuals outside of paramedic services who contribute to care.
A full list of the honourees is on the Grey County website here.
