When an adult recreational ice hockey player suffered a cardiac arrest last January in Richmond, a retired firefighter and other bystanders jumped in in a heartbeat.
Last Friday afternoon, Todd Roberts, a former Delta firefighter, was recognized with the Vital Link Award from BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) for saving the life of Lee Bennett at Richmond Ice Centre.
The award is presented to honour the skilful actions of one or more bystanders in a cardiac arrest emergency, explained Brian Twaites, paramedic public information officer with BCEHS.
He noted that 60,000 Canadians suffer sudden cardiac arrests every year and doing CPR and using an AED (automatic external defibrillator) can double the survival rate.
"Learning CPR is a selfless gift that anyone can give to loved ones and to strangers alike," said Twaites.
Bennett was playing adult recreational ice hockey with his friends when he suddenly "felt strange" and began skating towards the bench, recounted Tara Palmer, advanced care paramedic at BCEHS
However, he collapsed before he was able to get off the ice.
"Todd, during his 40 years of experience as a Delta firefighter immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. You recognized that he was in cardiac arrest and knew that he immediately needed CPR and an automated external defibrillator," said Palmer.
"Health-care providers are supposed to do CPR for two minutes maximum because it becomes physically draining and Todd managed to pick up for longer than that."
When paramedics arrived on scene, Lee began to regain consciousness and has since made a full recovery.
"I'd like to thank Delta Fire Services for all the training they gave me over the years," said Roberts.
"For the training that I had, [it] came to use and my good friend is still with us."
Bennett, who was present for Roberts' award ceremony, thanked the first responders, the care at the hospital and ultimately Roberts, who saved his life.
"I'm still amazed coming through that experience to see my family and my wife."
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