It was the first tournament of the 2025 season at Coverdale Tennis Club when Joe Palumbo suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a tennis match. Fellow club members – Lisa McBride, Raisa Goboleo, and Shelley Richards – were nearby and jumped immediately into action, calling 9-1-1 and beginning CPR. It was this quick response, paired with the coordinated efforts of other club members, dispatchers, paramedics, firefighters, and hospital staff, that contributed to a life-saving outcome.
“I am so happy to be here to give thanks—and the grateful happiness of my family—to all the professionals to whom I owe my survival,” says Joe.
This incident served as a powerful reminder of how critical early intervention is. It prompted Northumberland Paramedics to select Coverdale Tennis Club as the latest recipient of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through their Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Program. This program helps to ensure that these life-saving tools are even more accessible in the community, increasing the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
This morning, Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown and Deputy Chief Keith Barrett were joined by the four paramedics who responded to Joe’s call back in May – Dexter Barrett, Brooklin Raven, Christian O’Neill, and Matthew Rollwagen – in presenting this gift to Joe along with Club Vice President Randy Heaton, strengthening the Chain of Survival. Certificates were also presented to Shelley, Raisa, and Lisa for their life-saving actions. This inspiring example of teamwork and preparedness will be formally recognized at the 2026 Survivor Night ceremony – an annual event that honours the first responders involved in successful out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitations.
Presentation of this AED was made possible thanks to internal fundraising initiatives by paramedics, such as dress-down days and raffles. Chief Brown reflected on how this was more than a donation – it was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of community readiness. “Our paramedics are passionate about empowering others to be part of the solution,” she noted. “When bystanders, first responders, and healthcare teams work together, lives are saved. That is what it means to truly strengthen the Chain of Survival.”
Ahead of the Club’s July 1st tournament, paramedics provided a demonstration and training on the AED to help ensure Club members are confident in using the AED if ever needed.
“We are grateful to Northumberland Paramedics for equipping us with this lifesaving technology,” stated Club President Shaun O’Reilly. Vice President Randy Heaton added: “While we hope never to have to use the AED, it is reassuring to know that we are even more prepared to handle such incidents in the future, if necessary.”
In a generous act of ‘paying it forward’, the Coverdale Tennis Club also today presented paramedics with a $1,000 donation to the PAD Program, supporting the placement of additional AEDs throughout the community. If you are interested in donating to the PAD program, please visit: Northumberland.ca/PADprogram.
Eligible organizations interested in applying to the PAD Program for an AED must be not-for-profit, promote physical activity, and be located withing Northumberland County. Application details can be found at Northumberland.ca/AED
Photo attached
(Left to Right): Northumberland Paramedics’ Giselle Lech, Matthew Rollwagen, and Brooklin Raven, Coverdale Tennis Club President Shaun O’Reilly, club member Lisa McBride, Paramedic therapy dog Ivy Joules, club member Shelley Richards, club member (and survivor) Joe Palumbo, club member Raisa Goboleo, club Vice President Randy Heaton, Northumberland Paramedics Dexter Barrett and Christian O’Neill
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
