First responders honoured for life-saving service at sixth annual Survivor Night ceremony
Northumberland first responders and survivors of cardiac arrest came together last evening for the sixth annual Survivor Night ceremony. Fifty first responders were awarded Lightning Bolt Certificates for their role in supporting the successful resuscitation of individuals suffering an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in 2020. Hosted by Northumberland County, Survivor Night is an opportunity for survivors and families to reconnect with first responders who attended their emergency.
Survivors, like David Otterson, went into cardiac arrest in the early morning hours of October 12, 2020. David had recently been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, but was being treated by a physician and had been feeling fine. On the morning in question, David’s wife Allyson awoke to him exhibiting signs of distress, and she discovered he was not breathing.
Allyson immediately jumped into action. She called 911 and started CPR, continuing until Northumberland Paramedics and Cobourg Fire Department personnel arrived. Once on scene, crews continued with CPR and administered defibrillation. David’s heartbeat returned, and he was transported to the hospital for further care.
David’s story of survival was one of 12 moving stories shared last evening —stories that reflected a Chain of Survival involving collaboration between emergency services and, in some cases, critical support from bystanders, all of which contributed to positive health outcomes.
“Survivor Night is an important opportunity to both recognize the highly skilled, highly trained emergency services personnel that work in our community, and to spotlight the importance of CPR training for the general public,” stated Northumberland County CAO Jennifer Moore. “We were very pleased to present Allyson Booth with a Certificate of Recognition for her vital role in the Chain of Survival that led to her husband’s recovery. A pre-hospital continuum of care that involves trained bystanders and first responders means earlier intervention in an emergency, and more successful health outcomes, strengthening the well-being of our community.”
Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown reflected on the strength—and the impact—of the teamwork so often exhibited between local first responder services at the scene of an emergency. “Strong communication and interoperability between services is vital to an effective response. The stories shared during the Survivor Night ceremony are a testament to all that can be achieved when first responders pool their unique skill sets and work together. It is a true honour to work with best-in-class emergency services personnel as we strive to ensure protection and preservation of life in our community.”
“What was clearly reinforced time and again through the stories shared during the ceremony, was that in our most critical hour of need, we can count on the professionalism, expertise and compassion of our local first responders,” stated County Deputy Warden Mandy Martin. “On behalf of County Council, I applaud this year’s Lightning Bolt Award recipients, who answered the call of duty and delivered the ultimate impact in the lives of so many of our residents.”
