Community heroes and first responders reunited after cardiac arrest save

A recent survivor reunion is another powerful reminder that cardiac arrest can be survivable when people act quickly and work together.

Ralph Arnold, an avid runner, was taking part in a long-distance run with members of the Runner’s Soul Run Club when he suddenly collapsed. He had suffered a cardiac arrest, a life-threatening emergency where every second matters.

Four fellow runners - Charlotte Hardy, Alvin Lee, Carina Zhu and Autumn Barnes – along with Ralph’s wife, Fran Tatebe, quickly realized something was seriously wrong. They stepped in right away. Without hesitation, they called 9-1-1 and began CPR. Their early action helped keep blood flowing to Ralph’s brain and vital organs while emergency crews were on the way.

When Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) paramedic-firefighters arrived, crews immediately began high-performance CPR to restore Ralph’s heart rhythm. He was transported to Chinook Regional Hospital, where the emergency department team worked to stabilize his condition.

“The actions taken by Ralph’s running partners made a critical difference,” says Mike Humphrey, EMS Operations Officer with LFES. “Early CPR and rapid defibrillation are key links in the chain of survival. This call showed how strong community response and advanced medical care work together to save a life.”

Thanks to these combined efforts, Ralph survived and continues his recovery.

“I’m here because people stepped forward when I needed help most,” says Arnold. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who played a part.”

The survivor reunion brought together the community members who first helped, the paramedic-firefighters who continued life-saving care and the healthcare professionals who supported Ralph’s recovery. The event provided an opportunity to recognize the teamwork and preparedness that made the difference.

"Sharing Ralph's story is an important reminder of what a critical role our community plays in an emergency response," says Greg Adair, Chief of Fire and EMS with LFES. "Until our crews arrive, we need folks, like the ones on the running trail with Ralph that day, to take action. It can absolutely save a life."

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. Survival depends on recognizing the emergency, calling 9-1-1, starting CPR right away and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.

LFES encourage residents to learn hands-only CPR and become familiar with AED locations in the community. These simple steps can help save lives.

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