Lifesaving awards presented to four Thunder Bay-area residents

THUNDER BAY — St. John Ambulance has recognized the outstanding efforts of four Thunder Bay-area residents to intervene in life-threatening situations.

Denis Bresolin, Norma Bresolin, Lisa Kokanie and Ronda Rooney recently received awards of appreciation.

In an announcement Tuesday, St. John Ambulance Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario described them all as heroes.

"When we teach First aid at St. John Ambulance, one of the many important lessons that we implore our students to do is to take charge, step away from the crowd that may develop at a first aid scene and 'do something' to make the situation better," the organization stated.

"We would like to pay tribute to our heroes and the lives they saved by sharing their stories."

Here are some of the details provided by St. John Ambulance about the situations in which these four individuals were involved:

Denis Bresolin and Norma Bresolin: On Sept. 11, 2021, the couple provided invaluable assistance to four individuals after a fatal collision at Sistonen's Corner. After witnessing the initial crash and the chaotic environment that ensued, Mr. Bresolin instructed his wife to call 911 immediately while he went over to the scene to help in any way he could. Walking through scattered vehicle debris and spilled fuel, and kneeling on broken glass, he was able to help four members of a family "who are forever grateful for their valiant actions."  Following the tragic collision, the family met with the two Good Samaritans to express their gratitude in person.

Lisa Kokanie: On Mar. 17, 2021, she and her son found a lone male lying motionless near EQ Jennings School.  After realizing he had no vital signs, Mrs. Kokanie instructed a bystander to call 911 while she performed CPR on the man. He was partially revived as the direct result of her intervention, and was later fully revived under the care of paramedics and hospital personnel.

Ronda Rooney: In both 2020 and 2021, the Harm Reduction Worker with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and volunteer with the Lappe Fire Department was responsible for reversing the opioid poisonings of two community members through the use of Naloxone, her quick response, her medical knowledge and her non-judgmental approach.  In the 2021 incident, on her way home during extreme cold on Jan. 27, her "spidey senses" kicked in when she recognized a person in distress lying on the sidewalk. She quickly confirmed this individual was experiencing opioid poisoning, gave direction to bystanders, obtained Naloxone, figured out the logistical issues related to the cold, administered the drug, and gave the person protection from the elements and basic life support.

St. John Ambulance said members of the public who know of someone who deserves recognition for a lifesaving action may reach out by phoning 807-345-1712, ext. 2.