A Midland, Ont., council assembly got here to an abrupt ending Wednesday evening when a councillor, and former mayor, collapsed.
Through 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 isn’t a traditional factor in our council chambers, particularly whereas we had been mid-debate, and instantly, one of many different councillors, Coun. Sheldon East, actually jumped into motion,” mentioned Midland Mayor Invoice Gordon.
“Councilor Downer was introduced down onto the ground. We had been making an attempt to revive him successfully and see if he was acutely aware. By an absolute stroke of luck, our hearth chief, who additionally has paramedic coaching, was within the room, and we have now a defibrillator in council chambers, so pre-EMS started nearly instantly.”
Mayor Gordon expressed aid that there have been folks there with coaching to offer speedy assist.
Fireplace Chief Richard Renaud went to help whereas 911 was known as. CPR was began, and the Public Entry Defibrillator utilized, Renaud mentioned in an announcement.
“From a medical emergency standpoint, you couldn’t have requested for a greater turnout,” Gordon mentioned.
Renaud mentioned in an announcement Downer regained consciousness after what seemed to be his inner defibrillator went off and remained acutely aware as he left city corridor.
Simcoe County Paramedics transported him to Georgian Bay Common Hospital in Midland.
“The fast actions of Councillor East, together with the fast response by all three emergency companies, gave councillor Downer a preventing likelihood. Councillor East not solely acknowledged that councillor Downer was in misery, he additionally actively carried out CPR whereas the Public Entry Defibrillator was being utilized,” mentioned Renaud.
“His actions, together with the fast response by firefighters, police and paramedics, all contributed to this constructive consequence.”
Renaud is taking this medical emergency as a possibility to remind the general public of the significance of studying First Support, CPR and find out how to use a Public Entry Defibrillator (AED).
Gordon mentioned whereas they’ll have some animated conferences, that is the primary time he can keep in mind an incident like this.
“With among the heavy conversations we have now in there, it’s actually not a shock. It’s heavy, a whole lot of work, and it takes a toll in your physique 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 referred to as of Thursday morning, however the mayor mentioned they’re all hoping for the most effective and sending ideas and prayers to the household.
Mayor Gordon mentioned extra info could be supplied if and when the household is keen to offer it.
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