Elderly Fort Lauderdale Man Uses Siri to Survive Stroke, Reunites with Rescuers

February 6, 2025

In a remarkable testament to human resilience and modern technology, 70-year-old Daniel Vallaire of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been reunited with the first responders and medical team who saved his life after a harrowing medical emergency last summer.

Vallaire’s ordeal began when he collapsed in his bathroom, suffering a stroke caused by an infection in two of his aortic valves. Alone and unable to reach his landline, he spent 48 hours inching his way to the living room. In a moment of clarity, he called out to his voice-activated assistant, “Siri, call Victoria Vallaire.” The command reached his daughter, Victoria, who had recently moved to California. She immediately contacted emergency services.

Reflecting on the critical role of technology in his survival, Vallaire said, “If I [only] had a landline, there’s no way I would be able to get to it.”

First responders from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue arrived within 10 minutes of the call. Lesly St. Fleur, one of the paramedics, recounted, “We received a call of an unconscious person and made it there within 10 minutes.”

Vallaire was transported to Broward Health Medical Center, where cardiac surgeon Dr. Alexander Justicz led the medical team in treating him. Despite the prolonged period without food, water, or care, Vallaire’s determination and the timely intervention of technology and medical professionals led to his recovery.

During an emotional reunion at the hospital, Vallaire expressed profound gratitude to those who saved his life. He also shared a poignant message for American Heart Month: “Be conscious of your heart. It’s the only thing in your body that works 24/7, 365, and if you don’t have it, you’re not going to live.”

Moved by her father’s experience, Victoria has since returned to Fort Lauderdale to be closer to him. Their story underscores the importance of quick thinking, technological assistance, and the dedication of first responders and medical teams in life-threatening situations.

Sources: The information in the article is based on a report by WSVN 7News