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‘Thankful he’s alive’: Saint John police chief issues commendations for life-saving efforts

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Saint John police officer, nurse recognized for quick thinking, live saving actions
WATCH: Scott Shillington suffered a major cardiac event back in November. As Andrew Cromwell reports, a Saint John police officer and Shillington’s wife have now been singled out for their heroic actions – Feb 25, 2019

Scott Shillington was watching an NFL football game on the evening of Nov. 25 with his wife Jennifer.

He had no idea what was about to happen to him.

“Halftime comes and she went upstairs and I just kind of went to sleep and I woke up the next day,” said Shillington.

Shillington woke up in the hospital, having lived through a cardiac event that has a five per cent survival rate.

READ MORE: Four men honoured with Nova Scotia’s Medal of Bravery in 11th annual ceremony

Jennifer, who is a licensed practical nurse, performed CPR for the first time on her husband when she discovered him downstairs.

“He wasn’t breathing and his face was purple so I started doing compressions and yelled at my son who heard and then he called 911,” Shillington explained.

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Saint John Police Const. Derek Scaplen was on duty and only seconds away and relieved an exhausted and panic-stricken Jennifer.

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“He took over until the paramedics got there and he helped save his life,” Shillington said.

Scaplen was recognized with the Chief’s Commendation for his decisive actions. Scaplen says he is very grateful for his training, something he compares to insurance.

“You may never need to use it,” said Scaplen. “When you do need to use [it] you’re grateful for it and I’m very happy Mr. Shillington and his wife are here today in person.”

Chief Bruce Connell says this particular incident shows how law enforcement is just a very small part of policing.

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“Derek’s there and he’s there with his bare hands,” explained Connell.

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Jennifer Shillington’s life-saving actions were also recognized with a letter of commendation and many thanks from a happy husband.

“Everybody that intervened that night … they all did such a great job, it’s unreal,” Scott Shillington said. “We’re just very thankful he’s alive,” Jennifer added.

After some CPR-induced broken ribs and quadruple bypass surgery, Shillington is now basically no worse for wear.

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