Three-Month-Old Baby Revived After 911 Dispatcher Coaches Bystanders Through CPR
A three-month-old girl is alive and recovering in hospital after a dramatic emergency in Ottawa that highlighted the lifesaving power of bystander CPR and calm guidance from a 911 dispatcher. The swift actions of parents, bystanders, and first responders helped stabilize the infant before she was transported to the hospital.
A Sudden Medical Crisis
The emergency unfolded around 3:15 p.m., when the infant’s parents noticed she had suddenly become unresponsive while they were driving on St. Laurent Boulevard. They pulled over near the Innes Road overpass, and in a desperate search for help, one person sprinted nearly 400 metres to Fire Station No. 36.
Before firefighters arrived, a City of Ottawa parking enforcement officer had already stopped to help. Meanwhile, bystanders were on the line with 911—setting the stage for a crucial intervention.
Dispatcher’s Calm Coaching Saved the Day
Marc-Antoine Deschamps of the Ottawa Paramedic Service emphasized how vital bystander CPR is in emergencies:
“Bystander CPR is one of the first links in the chain of survival.”
Even without formal training, anyone can help save a life. Emergency dispatchers are trained to guide callers step-by-step through CPR until professional responders arrive.
In this case, a female dispatcher calmly coached bystanders through infant CPR, helping maintain circulation until firefighters could take over. The baby was rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where she remained in stable condition.
The dispatcher, emotionally shaken afterward, had handled an exceptionally stressful situation with professionalism and skill.
Call 911 First — Every Second Matters
Danielle Cardinal of the Ottawa Fire Services praised the collaborative effort but reminded the public to call 911 rather than running to a fire station, as firefighters may not always be present.
Cardinal, who began her career as an ambulance dispatcher, commended the dispatcher for keeping everyone calm and helping ensure the infant received immediate care.
Learn CPR — It Truly Saves Lives
This incident is a powerful reminder that CPR must begin right away, even if help is nearby. A few minutes without oxygen can lead to permanent damage, especially in infants.
If you want to be prepared to act in an emergency, consider formal training.
👉 Learn CPR & AED skills with certified instructors through Calgary First Aid:
https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Original Source
For more details, you can read the full article published by The Province:
👉 Three-month-old baby revived after 911 dispatcher coaches bystanders on CPR
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