Northumberland First Responders honoured at 11th Annual Survivor Night

October 28, 2026

(Left to Right): Glenda McEwlwain (Lindsay CACC), Allyssa Bowen (Lindsay CACC), Dexter Barret (Northumberland Paramedics), Joseph Palumbo (Survivor), Brooklin Raven (Northumberland Paramedics), Christine O’Neil (Northumberland Paramedics), Matthew Diminie (Cobourg Fire Department), Brody Waller (Cobourg Fire Department), Scott MacDonald (Cobourg Fire Department).

Cobourg, ON – October 28, 2026 – Last evening, first responders, survivors and families gathered as Northumberland County hosted the 11^th Annual Survivor Night Ceremony. This year’s theme “The Moments After,” highlighted the critical actions and teamwork in the minutes following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and the lasting impact of those actions long after the emergency is over.

Survivor Night recognizes the individuals and coordinated efforts behind cardiac arrest responses, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, and the bystanders whose actions can make a life-changing difference.

This year, 126 first responders across 11 dispatch, paramedic, fire, and police services serving Northumberland were formally recognized for their roles in the resuscitation of 22 individuals who experienced cardiac arrest in 2025, marking the largest number of stories featured in the ceremony’s history. Each recognition reflected the importance of rapid intervention, collaboration and excellence in emergency care.

Among those attending was Joe Palumbo, who suddenly collapsed during a tennis match at Coverdale Tennis Club in Cobourg in May 2025. Bystanders immediately began CPR, coached by dispatch Ambulance Communications Officers. When paramedics and firefighters arrived, they took over Joe’s care, with firefighters assisting with chest compressions while paramedics delivered advanced lifesaving interventions. Thanks to all involved – from the first caller to the first responders – Joe’s heart finally started beating again, before he was transported to the hospital for further care.

One month later, Joe returned to the tennis club to join club officials in accepting an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the facility, donated by paramedics. And last night, he joined officials onstage to present certificates of honour to the first responders involved in his care.

“Every cardiac arrest is a powerful reminder that outcomes are shaped in the moments that follow. Whether it’s a family member or bystander starting CPR, a dispatcher providing instructions over the phone, or first responders working together at the scene, every action plays an important role when seconds matter most,” said Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown. “Survivor Night gives us an opportunity to recognize that teamwork, honour the dedication of everyone involved in the response, and reconnect with individuals whose lives have been profoundly impacted by that care.”

Since its inception, Survivor Night has recognized the people and partnerships involved in cardiac arrest response, sharing stories that reflect the possibilities created by timely intervention and coordinated care. The annual ceremony also reinforces the importance of recognizing cardiac arrest, calling 9-1-1 and starting CPR immediately.

“Survivor Night reminds us that behind every emergency response is a team of dedicated professionals and community members working together to help others in their time of greatest need,” said Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate. “As we mark the 11^th annual ceremony, we recognize the skill, compassion and professionalism demonstrated by first responders in their work, the courage of bystanders jumping into action, and the stories of survivors, who remind us what these collective efforts make possible: more time, more moments and more memories with the people who matter most.”

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(Left to Right): Glenda McElwain (Lindsay CACC), Allyssa Bowen (Lindsay CACC), Dexter Barrett (Northumberland Paramedics), Joe Palumbo (Survivor), Brooklin Raven (Northumberland Paramedics), Christian O’Neill (Northumberland Paramedics), Matthew Diminie (Cobourg Fire Department), Brody Waller (Cobourg Fire Department), Scott MacDonald (Cobourg Fire Department).