Paramedics Honoured on Survivor Day: 'It's amazing'
Paramedic Jessica Robson saved the life of her very first VSA, but it took nearly a year for her to get the good news.
She encountered Jeff Grant at one of the most vulnerable and frightening times of his life. She did everything she could to keep him alive and then went onto the next call and the next shift, never knowing if her efforts helped to pull him through or not.
Robson was elated when she learned Grant survived and she was humbled and proud to be in his presence at the 8th Annual Survivor Day Thursday at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.
“There’s no way to put words to it,” she said. “It’s absolutely amazing.”
Paramedic Nicole Hanson was likewise moved as she held in her arms little Taylor Villemaire, the nine-month old she saved seven months ago with fellow Paramedics Patrick Lee, Bill Jacques and Mamoun Abu Khatir.
“We don’t get to meet our saves very often, especially little ones,” said Hanson. “It’s amazing.”
Remarkable stories were shared Thursday of 36 saves, with many Paramedics and patients meeting each other for the first time since their initial encounter. There were hugs, tears, laughter and a bond that can never be broken.
Ninety-six Paramedics were honoured as lifesavers along with 14 bystanders, eight ambulance communication officers, seven students and firefighters from four local departments.
Deputy Chief Justin Lammers told his colleagues they were “celebrating the pinnacle of a good outcome” and Chief Bruce Krauter marvelled at the second chances Essex-Windsor EMS Paramedics had given so many people.
“A heart continues to beat because of you,” said Krauter.
Paramedic Stacey Shepley was a key organizer of Thursday’s event, a huge step-up from the inaugural Survivor Day eight years ago when just six saves were celebrated.
Shepley said the event reinforced the positive aspects of a job where negative outcomes are all too common and that it reminded Paramedics of the incredible impact their hard work has not only on the people they’ve saved, but on their loved ones and friends as well.
Cardiac arrest survivor Robert Neroda praised the Paramedics who saved him – Steven Jacobs, Hannah Chevalier and Marisa Stratis – for giving him a new lease and perspective on life.
“You’re my angels,” he said. “It’s incredible. It changes your whole life. You learn not to waste any of it.”
Sandra Benevenuto certainly isn’t wasting her second chance. She was saved through CPR and is now on a mission to promote it, even hosting CPR parties at her house.
“My goal in life now is to make everyone aware of the importance of CPR,” she said. “I’m proof that it can save a life.”
She praised as selfless heroes the Paramedics who saved her.
“You should be so proud of the profession you have chosen,” she said. “I will be forever grateful.
