How a ‘stroke of luck’ helped an Ontario councillor who collapsed during meeting | 24CA News
A Midland, Ont., council assembly got here to an abrupt ending Wednesday night time when a councillor, and former mayor, collapsed.
During the March 22 council session, and because it neared 8 p.m., Coun. Jim Downer’s head slumped onto his desk – he handed out whereas councillors mentioned a movement.
“It is not a normal thing in our council chambers, especially while we were mid-debate, and immediately, one of the other councillors, Coun. Sheldon East, literally jumped into action,” mentioned Midland Mayor Bill Gordon.
“Councilor Downer was brought down onto the floor. We were trying to revive him effectively and see if he was conscious. By an absolute stroke of luck, our fire chief, who also has paramedic training, was in the room, and we have a defibrillator in council chambers, so pre-EMS began almost immediately.”
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Mayor Gordon expressed aid that there have been individuals there with coaching to supply speedy assist.
Fire Chief Richard Renaud went to help whereas 911 was known as. CPR was began, and the Public Access Defibrillator utilized, Renaud mentioned in a press release.
“From a medical emergency standpoint, you couldn’t have asked for a better turnout,” Gordon mentioned.
Renaud mentioned in a press release Downer regained consciousness after what seemed to be his inside defibrillator went off and remained aware as he left city corridor.
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Simcoe County Paramedics transported him to Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland.
“The quick actions of Councillor East, along with the rapid response by all three emergency services, gave councillor Downer a fighting chance. Councillor East not only recognized that councillor Downer was in distress, he also actively performed CPR while the Public Access Defibrillator was being applied,” mentioned Renaud.
“His actions, along with the rapid response by firefighters, police and paramedics, all contributed to this positive outcome.”
Renaud is taking this medical emergency as a possibility to remind the general public of the significance of studying First Aid, CPR and the way to use a Public Access Defibrillator (AED).
Gordon mentioned whereas they’ll have some animated conferences, that is the primary time he can bear in mind an incident like this.
“With some of the heavy conversations we have in there, it’s really not a shock. It’s heavy, a lot of work, and it takes a toll on your body in municipal politics.”
Downer has been a fixture in native politics for a while, having served as a councillor in Midland for a number of phrases and likewise having been the previous mayor.
The standing of Downer is just not often known as of Thursday morning, however the mayor mentioned they’re all hoping for one of the best and sending ideas and prayers to the household.
Mayor Gordon mentioned extra data could be offered if and when the household is keen to supply it.
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