CL first responders recognized for life saved in 2012
By Contributor
In preparation for the upcoming season, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) paramedics are asking local golfers to make sure their cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills are up to par.
On Aug. 12, 2012, a happy family reunion on the links at Christina Lake could have been dramatically different, had three golfers not initiated the “Chain of Survival” – early recognition of sudden cardiac arrest, calling 9-1-1 and applying CPR – for a family member and fellow golfer.
Golfer Peter Szumik was trying for eagle on the third hole when he suddenly collapsed. His brother-in-law Tom Wynn was beside him and immediately called for help. Peter’s wife Sherrie had been travelling near him in fellow golfer Bob Black’s golf cart when they saw him on the green and not moving. Bob immediately ran over to Peter and began CPR while others called 9-1-1 to dispatch BC Ambulance Service paramedics and first responders.
Bob and Tom were quickly joined by Peter’s other brother-in-law Chris Wynn, who learned CPR on the spot from Bob and took turns until Christina Lake Fire Department’s chief Ken Gresley-Jones and paramedics Jill Price and Wayne Hajdasz arrived.
“I’m retired now, but I learned CPR while working at Cominco in Trail, at my job in the forest industry and as a boy scout. Years ago I used to teach first aid to community groups as well, but that was a long time ago,” said Black. “I shouted ‘he’s not gone’ to the dispatcher and knew that we could keep CPR going until help arrived. I’ve never been so relieved to hear a siren.”
Peter, who resides in Camrose, Alberta, has made a remarkable recovery, still plays golf and is thankful to Bob, Chris and Tom for saving his life with CPR.
“A sudden cardiac arrest victim is four times more likely to survive if they receive CPR from a bystander,” said BCAS South Okanagan superintendent Les Cleverly. “However, in approximately 85 per cent of all cardiac arrest cases, this basic procedure is not performed. Thanks to Bob, Chris and Tom applying CPR, they saved Peter’s life.”
Like practising your swing, learning CPR is a skill everyone should add to their spring training. CPR courses are available in communities throughout B.C. from St. John Ambulance and the Red Cross.
The BCAS Vital Link Award was given to Christina Lake residents Bob Black and Tom Wynn, along with Houston resident Chris Wynn today. BCAS presents the Vital Link Award to recognize members of the public who save a life and to raise awareness of the importance of learning CPR.
BC Ambulance Service attends between 2,400-2,800 cardiac arrest calls each year. Fewer than 12 per cent of people who have a cardiac arrest survive.
BCAS operates under the authority of BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) to provide residents and healthcare professionals with access to pre-hospital emergency and patient transfer services. BCAS is recruiting paramedics in many rural communities throughout the province. Please visitwww.bcas.ca for more information about our employment opportunities.
— submitted by BC Emergency Health Services
