It was a rare opportunity on two fronts: for a patient to meet the team who saved his life; and for BCEHS staff to witness a patient and his gratefulness for being saved.

In February, just before 7a.m., Vincent Boh (above, centre) had a cardiac arrest while on a treadmill in the Steve Nash gym downtown. Diana Todd, Maria Kubiak, Andreas Hahn and Garrett Ross – all of whom had CPR training – came to save his life. The four were honoured last week in the ceremony to recognize bystanders who provide that vital link before paramedics arrive.

Also recognized were the BCEHS staff that handled and attended the call: call-taker Jennifer Speed, dispatcher Karen Nixon, and paramedics Sean Fernandes, Joel Heinrichs, Bryce Lencoe and James Earle.

District manager Blake Kendon emceed the ceremony, recognizing the knowledge, courage and conviction it takes to act in an emergency and thanking our paramedics, call taker and dispatcher for their professional response.

If you would like to learn CPR, join our BCEHS paramedics on June 1 as they train communities across the province in this life-saving technique.