Lambton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is encouraging all residents to learn CPR after an off duty paramedic came to the aid of a person at a local gym this week.
The paramedic found the collapsed patron to be unresponsive and without a pulse, and immediately started CPR while gym staff called 911.
Paramedics and firefighters arrived, used a defibrillator, and then transported the patient to hospital with a pulse.
County of Lambton EMS Manager Steve Pancino says the quick application of CPR along with defibrillation saves lives.
"In this particular case there wasn't a public access defibrillator (PAD) on site, which is why we're really stressing the importance of bystander recognition and early CPR," says Pancino. "In this case because CPR was started immediately that extends the time period where defibrillation will assist and benefit patients."
Lambton EMS, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, has installed over 100 PADs across the county since 2000.
Funds to purchase PADs are raised through participating organizations, with the county's EMS department providing free training, quality assurance, and preventative maintenance.