County of Renfrew Paramedics Reunite with Cardiac Arrest Survivor

On June 25, Chris Hinsperger and his wife Val, centre, thanked the County of Renfrew Paramedics who provided care after he experienced cardiac arrest earlier this spring. Paramedics (from left) Matt Stanfield, Joe Hamilton, Eric Martel, and Martin Hendrix were presented with Save Certificates and Pins from Mr. Hinsperger.

EGANVILLE, ON – There were tears of joy and hugs all around the Eganville Paramedic Base June 25 as County of Renfrew Paramedics reunited with a local resident whose life was saved following a cardiac event last month. 

On May 8, Chris Hinsperger, who has owned the Bonnechere Caves for 33 years with his wife Val, called 9-1-1 (a call he doesn’t remember making) with chest pains while outside at the popular tourist attraction. While on the phone with the Renfrew Central Ambulance Communication Centre, Mr. Hinsperger passed out and went into cardiac arrest.

Paramedics Joe Hamilton, Eric Martel, Matt Stanfield and Martin Hendrix, along with officers from the Ontario Provincial Police, responded to the emergency call and successfully achieved a return of spontaneous circulation. Paramedics identified that he was experiencing a ST-elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI, commonly known as a severe heart attack.

He was transported directly to the Ottawa Heart Institute, where he received multiple stents and has since made a positive recovery.

On Thursday morning, Mr. Hinsperger met with the paramedics who helped to save his life to thank them in person.

“It's nice to put faces to the experience I had, and show my appreciation, the fact that I get to keep on living my life, and see the faces that are attached to that,” Mr. Hinsperger said. “Yes, they helped me, but seeing the compassion these men have, and how they handle themselves, knowing that they're out there in the community every day, ready to do the same thing, and doing the same thing, for other people. And I just happen to be the recipient of their professionalism and their compassion and their vital service.”

He also presented each of the Paramedics with a Save Pin and Certificate.

“This reunion is a reminder of the incredible work our Paramedics perform every day across Renfrew County,” said Chief Michael Nolan, County of Renfrew Paramedic Service. “It also reinforces the importance of early recognition, rapid intervention, CPR and access to defibrillation.”

Mr. Hinsperger indicated that he hoped sharing his story would help raise awareness about the importance of CPR, public access defibrillators and the work performed by paramedics every day.

“I would like to encourage other people to put themselves in a safe situation so that they can be ready to bring aid to friends and family members, and in the case of our business, as a tourist attraction, to be able to provide a service to tourists, or potential friends,” he added.

The County of Renfrew Paramedic Service has administered the Public Access Defibrillator Program since 2014. Today, more than 460 public access defibrillators are registered and managed throughout Renfrew County, helping ensure that life-saving equipment is available in communities, workplaces, recreational facilities and public spaces.

“Having an AED readily available in public spaces can make a critical difference during a cardiac emergency,” said Steve Osipenko, Acting Commander responsible for the County of Renfrew’s Public Access Defibrillator Program. “By having these devices in our communities and ensuring they are maintained and accessible, we are helping improve the chances of survival when every minute counts.”

For more information please contact: Defibprogram@countyofrenfrew.on.ca or 613-312-7414.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tina Peplinskie                    Media Relations Coordinator                             613-735-7288