​Betsy Smith of Prince Rupert was honoured by the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) for saving the life of her partner Robert Milton after he suffered a cardiac arrest.

“This was round two for my mother,” said Betsy’s daughter Violet Baker. “She had tried to revive my father who died of a heart attack in 1991. Even without knowing how to do CPR, this time, she was much more collected.”

On April 29, 2012, Robert was lying in bed when Betsy heard a change in his breathing, and then silence. She immediately called 9-1-1 and the BC Ambulance Service dispatcher began giving her instructions to begin cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

“Betsy Smith performed CPR for approximately 10 minutes while paramedics were en route,” said paramedic Mike Sorensen. “The actions of bystanders during those first critical minutes are so important to the survival and recovery of cardiac patients.”

“Betsy’s quick actions and response during the crisis are why she is being recognized today with the BC Ambulance Service Vital Link Award,” said Sorensen.

“I thought I was going to hear the paramedics pronouncing Robert’s time of death,” said Betsy’s daughter Violet who had arrived at her mother’s home to find BC Ambulance Service paramedics and first responders administering shocks to Robert’s heart.

Robert recovered successfully from his cardiac arrest and attended the ceremony with the family. “I wouldn’t be here without her,” he said.

Approximately 50 Community Awards are presented annually by BCAS to thank the public for performing bystander CPR and responding to the needs of others in an emergency.

BCAS attends between 2,400-2,800 cardiac arrest calls each year. Approximately 115 occur in northern BC. Only 12 per cent of British Columbians who suffer a cardiac arrest survive.