
On June 8th, 2024, in Chestermere, a story of extraordinary courage and determination has emerged, highlighting the critical importance of well-trained emergency responders and the power of humanity in life-or-death situations.
A resident of Chestermere, faced a life-threatening crisis that tested the limits of human endurance and medical expertise. Mario, who had recently recovered from stage four high-grade diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, was working in his yard when he suddenly began to lose consciousness. His wife, Nancy, quickly called for their son Chris, who immediately began performing CPR.
Despite Chris’s training as a military professional, Mario’s condition was dire. For nearly 39 minutes, he had no pulse and no breathing. The arrival of the Chestermere Fire Department’s paramedics within nine and a half minutes marked the beginning of an intense and desperate battle to save his life.
“We just actually trained the week before on the High-Performance CPR. So, we were able to put that to work on the individual for just over half an hour, and then got a pulse check back,” said Joel Ramsay, one of the firefighters on scene with his partner, Lieutenant Jeremy Vitale.
The firefighters took over the CPR efforts. Their relentless and tireless work, coupled with the paramedics’ expertise in attempting to restore Mario’s heartbeat, ultimately paid off. In a near-miraculous moment, his chest heaved, and he took a breath. “Within a minute, they had him in the ambulance. They literally left the fire truck with the lights running. One firefighter joined the front of the ambulance, the other with the paramedics in the back,” said Nancy.
“They probably should have stopped but they’re glad they didn’t. Technically, they probably should have because even the doctor said that really the only time they see a potential for a positive outcome with regard to brain damage is from the loss of oxygen if maybe a child going into cold water because they will automatically go hypothermic and so that can slow down the body, but not in an adult,” said Nancy.
“They did every possible thing they could,” said Nancy. “There was a humanity to what they did, not just a function.”
Mario was placed in an induced coma to protect his brain, and despite the doctors’ initial prognosis, he made a remarkable recovery. He woke up believing it was 1996, but over time, he regained almost all his memory, except for the three weeks before and a few days after the incident.
He is currently in recovery and doing well. Thanks to the swift and skilled response of the Chestermere Fire Department, Mario is now on the path to regaining his health.
“She mentioned the doctors do not know how he survived, but he did. Nancy was literally talking a million words a minute, and said she still has not slept since Friday night (three nights) – I have to admit in all the thank you calls I have received over my time; this is probably the best one yet,” said Karie Schultz, Team Lead of Community Safety.
The firefighters and paramedics who saved Mario’s life were deeply moved by the family’s gratitude. Their heartfelt appreciation was a powerful reminder of the human aspect of their work. This story underscores the importance of being prepared and having the resources necessary to respond to crises effectively.
Adding to the positive news, the Chestermere Fire Department has been awarded a grant valued at $27,425 CAD from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada. This generous grant will be used to acquire vital rope rescue equipment, enhancing the department’s ability to perform technical and high-angle rescues and elevating the level of service provided to Chestermere residents. This new equipment will significantly enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies involving heights and confined spaces.
The Chestermere Fire Department’s lifesaving actions are a powerful reminder of the dedication and heroism of our first responders. Next time you see a firefighter, take a moment to express your appreciation for their service. A simple “thank you” can make a world of difference.