​“Without the quick recognition and response by these individuals, the patient may not be alive today,” said BCAS Superintendent for Okanagan South Norm Matheson.”This is a prime example of the benefits of first aid attendants being familiar with CPR and CPR knowledge in general.

On September 15, 2010, a local tow truck driver suffered a cardiac arrest while driving through the ICBC parking lot. As the ICBC first aid attendants, Tasha LaPlume, Jenna Espersen and Noelle Geary were called to assist a man who had crashed into the building following a seizure. When they arrived, they knew instantly by the patient’s colour that he was not breathing and they needed to act quickly. Together, they performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions while BCAS paramedics were enroute. Paramedics continued care while transporting the patient to Kelowna General Hospital.

“Even with the best trained paramedics and the fastest response times, the simple actions of members of the public during a medical emergency can often be one of the most critical factors in a patient’s outcome,” said BCAS Interior Region Executive Director Larry Jackson. “CPR is a vital step in the chain of survival for a patient.”

The Vital Link Award is presented by the BCAS to members of the public who are involved in saving a life through CPR efforts to not only recognize the actions of the individuals but to also create awareness about the benefits of CPR.

The awards were presented at the ICBC office at 1720 Springfield Road, on October 12, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. by BCAS Superintendent Norm Matheson and the responding paramedics.