Macauley Barron - Testimonial 

Macauley Barron
Suffered seizures as a result of a viral infection
Interfacility transfer from Pembroke General Hospital to Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

“I was a complete mess and was so worried for my son. The paramedics explained everything so thoroughly to me”, said Diane. “They could see I was upset and worried and they put me completely at ease. I knew Macauley was in great hands in their care.”

It was a cold Friday night in February when Diane Barron realized her son Macauley had a fever. She gave him Advil and put him to bed. He woke up in the middle of the night and she brought him into bed with her. When she woke up in the morning, Macauley was completely unresponsive and was having a seizure. She immediately called 911 and the Renfrew County paramedics transported him directly to the Pembroke General Hospital. Doctors there admitted him immediately. Around noon, Macauley had another seizure and a Code Blue was ordered. Doctors gave Macauley a spinal tap and realized that he needed to be seen by pediatric specialists at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa immediately.

Physicians at the Pembroke hospital called Ornge for urgent transport by helicopter to Ottawa. Once there, the Ornge flight paramedics quickly prepared Macauley for transport. “I was a complete mess and was so worried for my son. The paramedics explained everything so thoroughly to me”, said Diane. “They could see I was upset and worried and they put me completely at ease. I knew Macauley was in great hands in their care,” she added.

The helicopter ride from Pembroke to CHEO took 33 minutes, a distance that would have taken more than two hours in a land ambulance. While in transport, the paramedics were constantly monitoring Macauley’s vital signs and were relaying information to CHEO and to Diane.

Macauley spent 4 days in CHEO where he was diagnosed and treated for a virus. He has not experienced any more seizures. “My husband Chris and I will always be grateful to Ornge for providing us with such great care,” says Diane. Macauley has recovered completely and continues to be a very active kid.