Clarington teen reunites with the firefighters and paramedics who helped save his life

Alex Marston visited Station 1 in Bowmanville today to meet the firefighters and paramedics who helped save his life. “I want to thank everyone. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them helping. I am so grateful,” said Alex.

On March 21, Clarington Emergency and Fire Services were dispatched to a home in Newcastle to assist a 17-year-old young man without a pulse and in cardiac arrest. Clarington Fire arrived and quickly took over from Alex’s dad performing CPR. Firefighters were able to get a pulse, at which point the paramedics arrived and took over. Alex was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent open-heart surgery.

Alex’s Mom, Carolyn, describes the moments after she called 9-1-1. “Time stands still. While it felt like forever, it really was only a few minutes before the firefighters showed up and took over to help. I cannot thank everyone enough for what they did to help us,” said Carolyn Marston. The family lives around the corner from Newcastle Station 2.

Photo above: Clarington Emergency and Fire Services meet a young man whose life they helped save. Pictured left to right: Captain Robert Staples, Firefighter Mallory Ayer, Firefighter Sean Blanchard, Andrew Marston, Alex Marston, Carolyn Marston.

“It’s not every day that we can meet a patient, shake their hand and see them back on their feet,” said Fire Captain Robert Staples, Clarington Emergency and Fire Services. “We often respond to emergencies and help patients without ever knowing the outcome. It was wonderful to see Alex doing so well,” added Captain Staples.

Alex says he’s doing really well. He plans to graduate from high school and resume his karate as soon as he can to get that black belt.