NSN volunteer responder saves Frontenac resident’s life

Sydenham, ON – Neighbours Saving Neighbours (NSN) volunteer responder Mark Sherwin effected the program’s first cardiac arrest save in February.

Kingston Central Ambulance Communications Centre communications officers alerted Sherwin via a mobile app to a nearby possible cardiac arrest emergency that was reported via 9-1-1 call. He happened to be very close to the scene, so was able to get there and begin treatment with his NSN automated external defibrillator (AED) in the critical minutes before emergency medical personnel arrived.

“It was four minutes from the time I got the notification to pads-on-chest,” says Sherwin. “This was the sixth time I was activated but the first time I applied an AED as an NSN responder.”

Sherwin was awarded a Frontenac Paramedics Chief’s Commendation for his work at the March 20 Frontenac County Council meeting. The award is presented for meritorious or courageous action in recognition of effort, bravery, and service.

Frontenac County resident Mark Sherwin receives a Chief’s commendation from Frontenac Paramedics Chief Gale Chevalier, May 20. Sherwin used an AED and his NSN training to save a neighbour’s life in February. “It’s a great pleasure for us at Frontenac Paramedics to recognize Mr. Sherwin for his dedication and skill,” says Frontenac Paramedics Chief Gale Chevalier. “He not only demonstrated that the NSN program can and does work but he made the first and most important contribution that day to saving a person’s life.”

Chevalier presented Sherwin with a certificate and two Frontenac Paramedics pins: The Chief's Commendation Dignos Summa Laude (worthy of the highest honour) pin, and a cardiac arrest "Life Saved" pin.

A cardiac arrest save happens when a patient experiences cardiac arrest, has their circulation improved or restored through emergency treatment, is transported to hospital for further treatment, and then goes on to recover well enough to be discharged from hospital.

There are about 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Canada each year. The probability of survival for someone who experiences one decreases by as much as 10 percent per-minute before emergency treatment begins. Fewer than 12 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients recover.

If Sherwin had not begun treatment as quickly as he did, his patient would not have survived.

“NSN is a useful and necessary program,” says Sherwin. “Many of us are already trained and equipped, so I hope the program continues after the pilot project ends next year. It’s a small price to pay for saving someone’s life.”

NSN responders are recruited, trained, and overseen by Frontenac Paramedics. The NSN pilot program and study is led by a research group at Queen’s University under the leadership of Dr. Steven Brooks. NSN volunteer responders are trained in CPR and the safe use of an AED. They are equipped with AEDs and alerted via the GoodSam app when paramedics are dispatched to a nearby possible cardiac arrest emergency. If NSN responders happen to arrive before paramedics do, they may begin treatment and possibly save a life.

There are approximately 86 trained and active NSN responders across Frontenac and another 60 or so who are eligible and are in various stages of onboarding. There is still room for more volunteers.

For more information about NSN and how to apply to become an NSN volunteer responder visit: https://engagefrontenac.ca/neighbours-saving-neighbours