A long-time Steveston resident, who is known for his volunteering contributions, helped save someone’s life on his flight last week.
Loren Slye, a retired firefighter, went to Ottawa to receive the 2023 National Award for Volunteerism, an award given by the federal government to recognize his more than 50 years of volunteering in community services.
On his return flight from receiving his award in Ottawa, flight attendants called for any fire fighters or medical personnel aboard to provide assistance to a man who had gone unconscious. Slye, a nurse and two doctors responded.
“Fortunately, there were three or four of us that responded,” recalled Slye.
The group provided first-aid to the man, brought him back from unconsciousness and stabilized him until he was sent to the hospital after the plane landed at YVR.
“He was in and out a few times. We basically stayed with him for a couple of hours, took turns to make sure that he was okay and made him comfortable,” said Slye.
“The credit should go to the flight attendants, the nurse and doctors who were involved as well.”
Slye, who has provided assistance to people multiple times on a plane, said it’s important for people to take first-aid courses.
“I think it's a good opportunity for people to take note that if they take a first-aid course on CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] and what to do in an emergency situation, it will be beneficial for everybody that flies,” he said.
Slye said his earlier time serving in the military in third-world countries made him realize that there were many people that needed help. He started volunteering then and was further inspired by his fire chief after he joined Richmond’s fire department.
“I've carried on that tradition of volunteering with the fire service in the community. So I've always given my time to the community,” said Slye.
“All volunteer organizations could use more volunteers that get out and get involved.”
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