April 22, 2015
EDMONTON – Six Alberta Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services (AHS EMS) paramedics reunite today with a boy they resuscitated nearly five years ago when he was born prematurely.
The paramedics are meeting Talon and his mother, Megan Nelson, who requested the reunion.
“We wanted to find and meet the people who saved my son,” says Nelson, who went into labour at home, 24 weeks into her pregnancy, on the morning of May 15, 2010.
Her family called 911 and, when paramedics arrived, Talon had been born but was not breathing.
“We walked in,” recalls paramedic Seth Dodman, “and there, on his mother’s belly, was this tiny little baby. He was blue and had a very slow heartbeat.”
Paramedics immediately began CPR on the one-pound, eight-ounce newborn.
“There was a very tall paramedic on the living room floor, doing chest compressions on this tiny baby,” says Nelson.
“As soon as they got a pulse, they lifted him and carried him out of the house.”
Talon was transported to the Stollery Children’s Hospital emergency department and Nelson was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where she was assessed and released. The newborn remained in pediatric intensive care for more than four months.
Talon turns five years old next month and is a bundle of energy.
“He’s constantly on the go,” says Nelson. “He’s always the centre of attention; everyone adores him.”
Adds Dodman: “To know that he’s alive and doing well, and that we were a part of that … that is exactly our purpose and why we do what we do.”
Edmonton Zone EMS paramedics respond to more than 157,000 events annually.
“Our goal as paramedics is to arrive at an emergency and initiate advanced medical care, often in life-threatening situations,” says Melissa Edwards, Public Education Officer with EMS.
“So often we are unaware of the patient’s progression after we treat and transport them to an emergency department. It’s quite rewarding to see the significant difference our jobs can make.”
Albertans who want to show their appreciation to EMS paramedics can send a thank-you note to thankaparamedic.com.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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