Saskatoon woman thanks ‘guardian angel’ paramedics who saved her life

A pair of Saskatoon paramedics saved Nicole Craig’s life.

The 45-year-old woman was in downtown Saskatoon with a work colleague on April 15, when she suddenly went into cardiac arrest.

Her colleague called 911. Luckily for her, paramedics Mitchell Sparrow and Matt McGurk were in their ambulance just a short distance away.

“The stars were aligned that day. We were literally a block away, and that rarely happens,” said McGurk to Craig during a news conference on Tuesday.

“You were outside, and we got there and started CPR – two shocks right away.”

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“Minutes and seconds are of utmost importance, especially in that situation,” added Mitchell.

Calling the men her “guardian angels,” Craig said she can’t recall much about what happened that morning.

“The only thing I somewhat remember is being lightheaded. I thought (it was) ’cause I didn’t eat breakfast that morning,” she said.

Craig urged all women not to ignore any symptoms that might seem unusual.

“As women, we need to be more aware of our bodies,” she said.

Both Mitchel and McGurk both said it was special getting to meet Craig after saving her life because typically their role ends once patients get to the hospital.

“It’s very rare that you do hear the outcome, ’cause we’re not in the chain of care anymore,” said McGurk.

The two men are being honoured for their work as Paramedic Services Week kicks off for 2024.