Last fall, Brian Andrade and his wife, Chantelle Lavallee, took a
first aid training course in preparation for the birth of their baby; and it’s a good thing he paid attention. What Brian couldn’t have known at the time was that a month after taking the training, he’d have to use it to save the life of Chantelle when she collapsed 13 days after delivering their baby. Had it not been for Brian’s immediate response, Chantelle would not have survived.
This past Sunday, Brian was taken by surprise when he received a Rescuer Award from the Canadian Red Cross. Without her husband knowing, Chantelle worked with the Red Cross so that Brian could receive his award during a fundraising first aid training workshop she organized in support of
Jesse Arrigo, a Mississauga baby who nearly drowned in his family’s backyard pond in 2012. It was similar to the fundraising event that was held in the fall when Brian and Chantelle first took their first aid course.
More than 100 people showed up for the presentation including paramedics and the 911 dispatcher who were called during Chantelle’s incident. Even the Mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, was in attendance. Over 80 of the attendees took part in the first aid and CRP course.
Although doctors were not able to say why Chantelle’s heart stopped, she will continue to be monitored by her medical team and has since had a pacemaker inserted.
The Canadian Red Cross
Rescuer Award recognizes the efforts of Good Samaritans. It acknowledges non-professional rescuers or off-duty first responders who have volunteered to save a life, prevented further injury and/or provided comfort to the injured; or are children who were not trained but provided help (i.e. activated EMS).
The Canadian Red Cross has been offering first aid for more than 50 years, providing Canadians with the knowledge and training to deal with any emergency situation with confidence, caring and skill. For more information on Red Cross first aid programs, go to
www.redcross.ca.