The chances of a positive outcome after having a heart attack are better when you call 9-1-1. The chances of having the same paramedic save your life twice is closer to winning a lottery jackpot.

In 2012, Randy Spekking was being transferred from Wilson Memorial General Hospital in Marathon to the local airport, to be sent to another health care facility. Superior North EMS (SNEMS) Paramedics Paula Verin and Crystal Cook were transporting him to the airport. When the paramedics arrived in his room, Spekking started to code, and chest compressions were started by the two paramedics. A physician at the hospital shocked Spekking, the paramedics continued CPR, and he was revived, with Verin announcing to the room that he was back. After this event, whenever the two would see each other, they would exchange a hug, and Spekking would share his story.

Fast forward 12 years, and Verin works as a SNEMS Superintendent in another community, but was filling in at the Marathon base in early May. A call was received for a person who was in their backyard with vital signs absent. Verin and partner Mitch Wiljala went to the scene. An off-duty OPP officer was already on the scene doing chest compressions. Paramedics were able to shock the patient twice and get a pulse back.

Paramedics Verin and Wiljala asked the patient and the family vital information, including their names, which is when Verin realized this was the same person she administered CPR to 12 years earlier.

Spekking is doing well, after recovering from his last cardiac arrest. He now has a pacemaker, and was thrilled see Verin on her last visit to Marathon, so he could give her another hug.

SNEMS reminds everyone to call 9-1-1 in the event of a medical emergency.

SNEMS has approximately 200 paramedics and 40 administrative and support staff located at 18 stations across Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay District.