Two residents who saved a life by performing CPR after a West Kelowna man’s sudden collapse received BC Ambulance Service Vital Link Awards in a ceremony at Kelowna General Hospital today.
In late September, Joe Smith and his wife, Judy, were speaking to a neighbour when Joe suddenly collapsed. Judy immediately started CPR. Within moments, neighbour and retired nurse Sandy Hodgins determined Joe was in cardiac arrest and took over CPR from Judy. A combination of a quick response by BCAS paramedics, defibrillation and rapid transport to Kelowna General Hospital’s STEMI Lab for treatment ensured that Joe would survive and return home to enjoy life.
“I have profound relief and joy that the outcome of Joe’s care worked to perfection,” said Sandy. “I hope that more people will understand just how important CPR is – and how it does save lives.”
“Bystander CPR is critical to patient survival of a sudden cardiac arrest,” said BCAS Okanagan North Superintendent Norm
Matheson. “Bystander CPR, our paramedics’ use of a defibrillator and the quick response by the STEMI Lab combined to ensure a happy ending to this story.”
Advanced Care Paramedics are trained to utilize specialized equipment to determine if a patient is a candidate for the STEMI Lab. STEMI stands for ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a description of a person’s heart rhythm that occurs when a coronary artery is blocked by a blood clot. Then paramedics can alert the receiving hospital, KGH in this case, while they are enroute with the patient so that staff from the STEMI Lab are ready to act as soon as the patient arrives.
“When we know a patient is en route to the STEMI Lab, and we’re receiving real-time data from the on-board ambulance equipment, then we’re in the best possible position to provide the care the patient needs,” said Dr. Richard Townley, Director, Regional Cardiac Angioplasty Program, Interior Health.
The first-ever cardiac procedure was performed at Kelowna General Hospital in November 2009, and marked the first time a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) had been done anywhere in the province outside of the Lower Mainland and Victoria. Since that time, approximately 3,500 PCIs have been performed at KGH.
“I would like to thank Judy Smith and Sandy Hogdins for their courageous act of CPR and congratulate the BC Ambulance Service and Kelowna General Hospital for this great example of coordination and cooperation,” said Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country.
“This incident underscores the community spirit of Kelowna – from life-saving neighbours, to dedicated paramedics to superior healthcare,” said Steve Thompson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission. “Thank you all for making a difference and saving a life.”
“As we can see today, bystander CPR can make the difference between life and death,” said Ben Stewart, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. “I applaud Judy Smith and Sandy Hodgins for their life-saving courage.”
For More Information
News Release: CPR, Quick Response Saves Life of West Kelowna Man
