South Lobo Women's Institute has been involved in the betterment of their community for over 118 years and 2002 was no different. In 2002 South Lobo donated money to the local Coldstream Fire Department so they could purchase the first defibrillator for their station. By January 1st, 2003 all the firefighters were trained to use it and it was ready to be used as needed.
On a Thursday evening in early January 2003, Marg Harris, a member of South Lobo Women's Institute, and her husband Bud Harris were hosting a community heritage dance at the Coldstream Community Centre in Coldstream. During a square dance a dancer fell to the floor and was unconscious. Marg Harris called 911. The square dance caller, a local Lobo Township volunteer fireman reacted quickly, rushing to the nearby Coldstream Fire Station to get rescue equipment including their nearly purchased defibrillator as well as putting out a call for help. Marg Harris stayed with the unconscious dancer supporting him as best she could. The firefighters determined that they needed to use the defibrillator to deliver a shock which restored a normal heartbeat in the victim. An ambulance arrived from Strathroy shortly thereafter and transferred the patient to Strathroy Hospital. The dancer survived thanks to the quick action of those involved and he was able to attend many more dances.
In appreciation to South Lobo Women's Institute for their contribution to Coldstream Fire Station's first defibrillator, a plaque was given to our branch as well as as North Lobo Women's Institute who had also contributed. As you can tell by this story this was a piece of equipment that was needed in our community to save the life of a dancer soon after it was purchased. Since one of our own members was present and helped to accomplish this happy ending, this plaque is very special to our South Lobo branch.
