Kim Ruether's life changed forever a decade ago when her 16-year-old son, Brock, collapsed while playing volleyball at his high school. The moment she lifted his eyelid to see his dilated pupils staring blankly at the ceiling in an Alberta hospital was one she would never forget. “I didn’t need a doctor to tell me he was gone," she recalls, the voice filled with sorrow.

Brock died from cardiac arrest, and an autopsy revealed a shocking twist: the automated external defibrillator (AED) that could have potentially saved his life was just steps away, unused and unutilized. Ruether discovered that during the frantic 911 call made by his friends, the dispatcher had advised them only to retrieve the AED but failed to instruct them on how to operate it. “They placed it beside him on the floor and never used it,” she explains.

Determined to prevent similar tragedies, Ruether became a passionate advocate for better training of emergency dispatchers globally. She is on a mission to ensure that anyone calling for help in a cardiac emergency knows how to use a defibrillator immediately. Her steadfast commitment to this cause will culminate in a significant recognition: the Alberta Order of Excellence, which she will receive in October during a ceremony where Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani will honor her contributions.

The Alberta Order of Excellence recognizes individuals whose work significantly impacts the community, and Ruether certainly fits this description. “Recipients showcase extraordinary dedication and leadership in their fields," Lakhani states, “and it’s my hope that they inspire others to foster compassionate communities.”

Impressively, Ruether’s efforts have borne fruit beyond Canada, inspiring changes in emergency response protocols in New Zealand, the UK, and several Asian countries. She actively speaks at schools across Canada, teaching students the vital skills needed to use AEDs effectively. "I simulate a cardiac arrest and challenge the kids to hurry and retrieve the device," she says, ensuring they understand the critical moments that can mean the difference between life and death.

Her advocacy has proven effective, as she shares heartwarming stories, including one instance in British Columbia where her training helped save a child's life. "The call-taker informed me that she instantly recognized the parallels between that incident and Brock’s. It was incredibly gratifying to know that there’s a boy alive today due to the education Brock has enabled."

Ruether's journey extends beyond her advocacy work; she is also a senior X-ray technologist and a farmer in Alberta, where she resides with her husband and their three other children. Despite her numerous achievements, receiving the Order of Excellence leaves her in disbelief. “It's surreal, unbelievable,” she says.

Through her journey, Ruether emphasizes the often-overlooked individuals behind emergency responses. “The world can feel chaotic," she reflects, "but these dispatchers are extraordinary people striving to make a positive impact, and they deserve recognition for their incredibly difficult roles.”

As she moves forward with her advocacy, Kim Ruether serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how one person's tragedy can spark a movement that saves lives.