Three Sechelt residents who helped save the lives of strangers were recognized by BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) in a ceremony today at St. Mary’s Hospital. The three received BCAS Vital Link awards for their CPR efforts during a medical emergency:

• In August, Ryan Kunce followed the instructions provided over the phone by BCAS Emergency Medical Dispatcher Brian Sarling to perform CPR on a man who had collapsed while Ryan was working at the man’s home.
• Also in August, Karen Apolzer performed CPR on a woman who collapsed on the beach in Sandy Hook.
• In June, Chad Gibson was driving a friend to hospital, and had just parked when the friend went into cardiac arrest. Chad performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

“That day will be forever in my mind,” said Ryan. “Performing CPR to someone in need is not something that happens frequently; I’m very happy to have been able to save a life.” Brian said, “Congratulations to Ryan — he listened to the CPR instructions and performed admirably.”

“Being able to help another person is an incredible opportunity,” said Chad. “And having a good outcome for that person makes it all worthwhile.”

Karen said, “I’m so happy to have contributed to saving a life. CPR is a vital skill for everyone to know.”

“Bystander CPR is critical to patient survival of a sudden cardiac arrest,” said BCAS Sea-to-Sky/Sunshine Coast Superintendent Richard Chick. “We know that bystander CPR saves lives – the more we can encourage everyone to be trained in CPR, the great the chance of saving lives and ensuring a happy ending to what could be a devastating event.”

“You never know when or where a life-threatening emergency might happen – knowing CPR is a vital skill to have so that you too can help someone in need, just like Ryan, Karen and Chad did,” said Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid. “Thank you and congratulations to all three.”

More than most, Peter Jordi understands the need for bystander CPR. He is the man who was kept alive by Ryan Kunce’s CPR. “I am so grateful to Ryan. Because of his efforts and those of Brian in BCAS Dispatch, I am here today to honour both men.”

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