'Selfless actions': This Burlington man suffered a heart attack after shovelling snow. How his neighbours helped save his life
The weather on Jan. 17 was brutal, but it didn't stop a group of locals.
Dan Howarth of the Cavendish Woods neighbourhood in Burlington was doing what a lot of people in the city were doing that day - shoveling snow - when something went wrong. Residents were helping to get Howarth free from the snow his vehicle had become stuck in when one of the neighbors noticed something was wrong and called Howarth's wife Laura Hanrahan over to see.
Once I got there, I could tell Dan wasn't doing good. Our son walked him in the house, and I got the car back in our driveway," said Hanrahan. Once inside, I realized my husband was having a heart attack and called 911. Firefighters were on scene in minutes only to get stuck in the same spot that Dan had."
Paramedics also arrived on scene but made the decision to park further up the road to avoid getting stuck themselves. That still meant Howarth would have to be transported a significant distance through deep snow to get to the ambulance. The decision was made to make use of a sled from the fire department.
Once Dan was safely inside the ambulance our neighbours got back to digging out the firetruck knowing that time was being lost for other people who required their help on this day. Once free, the fire truck once again got stuck," said Hanrahan.
The heavy snowfall meant conditions on the road were treacherous for everyone. To get the fire truck back on its way would take a lot of work.
Our neighbors worked relentlessly to free the truck. They were joined by neighbors from outside our complex showing up with shovels and snow blowers. Finally, after a massive group effort and with Dan safe and on his way to Jo Brant the firetruck was free," said Hanrahan.
As of Jan. 19, Howarth was recovering from the incident at Joseph Brant Hospital.
Hanrahan said she was grateful to all the people who came out that day. She thanked firefighters Kyle Galea, Cory Skinner, Elliott Shearn and Blake Wootton. She also thanked the paramedics and numerous neighbours who helped.
You all will forever be in our hearts. Your selfless actions meant that Danny got to the hospital and got the lifesaving help he needed. With all my gratitude, love and respect," said Hanrahan.