South Shore Man Revived from Cardiac Arrest Returns to Thank His Rescuers
When Pierre Lachapelle went into sudden cardiac arrest, he was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time—a South Shore CLSC equipped with trained staff, quick responders, and an automated external defibrillator (AED). What happened next is a powerful reminder of how critical CPR and early defibrillation truly are.
According to reporting from the Montreal Gazette, Lachapelle’s story was first shared in detail in this article:
South Shore man brought back from death’s door gives thanks.
Brought Back from Death’s Door
It took eight shocks from a defibrillator and a dose of adrenaline before Lachapelle’s heart finally restarted. Paramedic teams and nurses worked urgently as his granddaughter, Alicia, witnessed the frightening event.
Despite having no history of heart problems, Lachapelle collapsed without warning on February 2nd while sitting in the waiting room of the St-Hubert CLSC. His heart stopped beating instantly.
A Coordinated Life-Saving Effort
The emergency response was immediate. Nursing staff began CPR while a team from the Longueuil police and paramedics from the Coopérative de techniciens ambulanciers de la Montérégie quickly joined in. Together, they delivered lifesaving CPR and multiple AED shocks that ultimately restored his heartbeat and breathing.
Paramedic Christian Fleury, who helped save Lachapelle’s life, shared how meaningful the experience was:
“It’s always our objective to bring a patient back to life, awake and alert, but it’s rare that we get to see the patients after we have worked on them. This is very gratifying and touches the heart.”
A Heartfelt Return to Say Thank You
Just weeks later, Lachapelle returned to the CLSC with his granddaughter to personally thank the people who saved his life. For the responders—nurses, police officers, and paramedics—it was a powerful moment. They rarely have the chance to see the long-term impact of their work, making this reunion especially meaningful.
Why CPR Matters
Stories like Pierre’s highlight the lifesaving power of CPR and early AED use. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anytime—even without previous symptoms. When it happens, every second counts:
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Early CPR helps maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs.
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Using an AED quickly can dramatically increase survival rates.
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Trained bystanders can make the difference between life and death.
If you want to be prepared for emergencies, consider learning CPR through a certified training course. For high-quality instruction, visit Calgary First Aid’s CPR and AED courses.
Learn More
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