Colleagues jumped into life-saving action when Midland councillor collapsed at town meeting
When Midland Town Councillor Jim Downer suddenly collapsed during a meeting Wednesday evening, two of his colleagues didn't hesitate to jump into immediate action.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Fellow Councillor Sheldon East first noticed Downer slumped in his chair and called for help while Fire Chief Richard Renaud, who was attending his first town meeting, rushed over with the council chamber's defibrillator.
An unconscious Downer was moved to the floor, where East immediately started CPR.
The defibrillator was applied on Downer but ultimately wasn't necessary.
Officials say that within minutes of the 911 call, Midland firefighters, OPP, and Simcoe County paramedics arrived and took over first aid.
According to Renaud, Downer regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital.
The fire chief commended East for his actions "during this unforeseen incident."
"The quick actions of Councillor East, along with the rapid response by all three emergency services, gave Councillor Downer a fighting chance. Councillor East not only recognized that councillor Downer was in distress, he also actively performed CPR," said Renaud.
"I will credit Jim's revival to the joint and immediate efforts of Councillor East and Fire Chief Renaud. Nobody could ask for a better chance at survival than what I witnessed last night," said Mayor Bill Gordon.
"Jim clearly has a guardian angel watching over him," the mayor added.
CTV News has since learned Downer is awake, alert and in stable condition at Georgian Bay General Hospital with his family at his side.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.