Two local heroes are being recognized and celebrated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation for their life-saving efforts at Twin Rinks a month ago.
On October 28, Ray Martin and Marcel Ledrew acted quickly when Larry Manning—who just finished a skate at Twin Rinks—suffered a heart attack. It was because of the timely and calm actions of the rink attendants, that Manning is alive and feeling better than ever today.
Almost a month later, and after receiving certificates of appreciation, their own hockey jerseys and hats from the Heart and Stroke, the pair won’t call themselves heroes but are just happy to see Larry in good health.
Both Ray and Marcel say it’s hard to explain, but it’s good to be back at the rink and see Larry again knowing that he’s healthy, happy and energetic—and that’s all that matters.
The whirlwind and life-changing month is still setting in for everyone.
As for Larry Manning, he says he’s feeling wonderful, healthier and better than he has for the last few months—despite some sore ribs from the compressions delivered by Ray and Marcel, although he quips that those are bruises he’s thankful for.
Manning says there are still no words to describe how he feels about Ray Martin and Marcel Ledrew. He says he was dead, and they brought him back and saved his life. Manning describes Ray and Marcel as true heroes.
When asked if he hopes to get back on the ice, Manning says he isn’t too worried about that. Manning says he’s coming back. He typically skates during the summer as well, and if his doctor gives him the all-clear he’ll be back then.
Here at Twin Rinks where @HeartandStroke is recognizing rink attendants Ray Martin and Marcel Ledrew for their life saving efforts on Larry Manning in late October.
An estimated 35,000 Canadians experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. 90% dont survive.@VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/evzj3BQ4JX
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) November 25, 2020
Bystander Action Saves Lives
Meanwhile, the Heart and Stroke Foundation says an estimated 35,000 Canadians experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year, and 90 per cent do not survive. However, those numbers can improve with early bystander action.
Acting quickly and without hesitation—like Ray and Marcel did—has the power to save more lives.
Frank Healy, the Senior Community Manager for Heart and Stroke in Atlantic Canada, says Twin Rinks is coincidentally a special rink for the foundation. It’s where they host their annual ‘Hockey Heroes Weekend,’ which helps raise funds to install AED machines in stadiums across Newfoundland and Labrador.
(Example of an AED, courtesy the Heart and Stroke Foundation.)
He says they’re glad the AED was there, and that Ray and Marcel were able to overcome “bystander syndrome.”
Healey says the best part of the job is getting to meet folks who have saved lives, as well as the lives that were saved.
