Public Access Defibrillation put to the test in the Halton community

On the afternoon of Friday, July 25th, 65-year-old Alistair MacEwan of Georgetown learned the benefits of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillators first hand. Mr. MacEwan was finishing the hole on the par three 13th at Hornby Glen Golf Course in Halton Hills when he went into cardiac arrest.

Dr. Dan Honsinger, a McMaster Medical School Resident, currently working in the Emergency Room at Credit Valley Hospital, was standing on the 13th tee and witnessed the collapse. He and his playing partner Kyle Stumpf, a volunteer fire fighter from Holland Landing, ran up to the green and immediately initiated CPR.

Kelly Henderson was working on the beverage cart only a few meters away when Mr. MacEwan collapsed. She radioed to the clubhouse to have the Automated External Defibrillator brought out to the 13th hole. Dr. Honsinger delivered two shocks with the AED. Halton Region Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly after the second shock. When the paramedics took over care, Mr. MacEwan’s vital signs had returned, meaning he had a pulse and was breathing on his own. By the time they arrived at Milton District Hospital Mr. MacEwan was conscious, alert and had strong vital signs.

“I would like to extend my appreciation to Dr. Honsinger, Mr. Stumpf and the entire staff at Hornby Glen Golf Course for their exemplary response under very stressful conditions,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “This is a great example of the benefits of learning CPR.”

Mr. MacEwan was released from Milton District Hospital on Tuesday, July 29. He will be spending a few days at Hamilton General Hospital for follow-up treatment.

“(_)The Chain of Survival”:http://www.halton.ca/health/services/EMS/CPR_chain_of_survival.htm#Q2 was well executed in this situation,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton’s medical officer of health. “There was early recognition, early 9-1-1, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced care, facilitated by golf course staff guiding our paramedic crew to the patient’s location. When all of the pieces come together like this, we have the best opportunity to achieve a good patient outcome.”

The Chain of Survival, developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, has seven links, including:

• making healthy choices
• early recognition of the signs and symptoms of heart attack or stroke
• early access to emergency medical services (calling 911)
• early initiation of CPR
• early defibrillation (rapid defibrillation is the single most important factor in surviving a cardiac arrest)
• early advanced care by paramedics or emergency room staff
• early rehabilitation following a coronary event.

For more information on CPR training or the Chain of Survival, please call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833, or visit our website.

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