Cobourg, ON – October 23, 2024 – The ninth annual Survivor Night ceremony convened last evening, uniting first responders and cardiac arrest survivors. At this distinguished event, 95 first responders received Lightning Bolt Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the successful resuscitation of individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in 2023.
We are incredibly proud of the work our first responders do every day. Events like Survivor Night allow us to recognize the life-saving impacts of these first responders, and celebrate the strong community bonds formed through these critical encounters.
Hosted by Northumberland Paramedics, Survivor Night serves as a meaningful opportunity to reconnect survivors and families with first responders who attended their emergency. Survivors like Mike Efford, who collapsed while out for a walk with his wife. Or Christopher Case, who woke from sleep with severe chest pain and required urgent assistance. Or Kirk Lewis, who experienced a heaviness in his chest while working in his yard.
In all, 19 stories of survival were shared last evening, each reflecting a Chain of Survival involving collaboration between bystanders, and different emergency service organizations, leading to positive health outcomes.
Northumberland County Councillor Mandy Martin, delivering remarks on behalf of Council, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our first responders are a key pillar of our community’s safety and well-being. Their commitment to serving the public under immense pressure is truly remarkable. Survivor Night not only highlights the training and expertise of these professionals, but also serves as a testament to the fact that when we need them most, as a community – they will be there to answer the call.”
