Two local paramedics were honoured for exemplary service recently.

On October 16, which has been designated “World Restart a Heart Day,” Jasper’s Mike Mahoney and Zandra Hauk were presented with an Excellence in Resuscitation Coin for their roles in affording the best chance of survival for a patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest.

“You have exemplified excellence in what you do, representing your links to the chain of survival with knowledge, experience, practice and dedication,” presenter Ian Blanchard told the gathered audience at Excellence in Resuscitation Awards ceremony in Red Deer, Alberta. 

Mahoney and Hauk were accepting a Peer Choice for Resuscitation in Arduous Conditions Award, stemming from an incident earlier this year.

In May, Emergency Communication Officers received a 911 call alerting first responders to a guest at a Jasper hotel who had collapsed after complaining of a shortness of breath. ECO dispatcher Shannon Gillis helped bystanders operate the hotel’s Automated External Defibrillator before paramedics arrived on scene. When they did, Mahoney and Hauk administered advanced cardiac life support, for upwards of 40 minutes, while the team—which included fellow paramedics Mark Smiley and Erin Friesen—ushered the patient down six flights of stairs and eventually to an awaiting air ambulance.

Blanchard explained why the response deserved recognition.

“Your team immediately initiated resuscitative efforts alongside the fire department, providing high performance CPR, effective stairway management, repeated defibrilations and the timely administration of multiple medications,” he said.

The circumstances called for Mahoney and Hauk to employ a device known as the LUCAS Device, an automated CPR system that delivers high-quality compressions at a continuous rate. Blanchard noted that the Jasper team had only the day been trained on the LUCAS, and commended them for their CPR metrics—essentially the quality and consistency of the compressions they were able to provide.

“Through your expertise and commitment, ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) was ultimately achieved,” Blanchard said. 

Reached at his home the day after the ceremony, Mahoney said he’s proud of the team he manages in Jasper. The paramedic of 22 years says his small crew is embedded in the community that they love.

“They have excellent training and they really care,” he said.

Hauk, who has been with the local Associated Ambulance team for three years, said she appreciates the work environment that’s been cultivated in Jasper.

“It’s a great community, and people are really grateful for your service,” she said.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com