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West Vancouver police honour lifesavers

West Vancouver Police honoured five citizens for their role in helping to save a life following a collision last May.
WV awards

West Vancouver Police honoured five citizens for their role in helping to save a life following a collision last May.

In the early afternoon of May 30, 2016, West Vancouver Police received multiple reports of a vehicle weaving and driving erratically as it crossed Lions Gate Bridge, according to a press release from police.

Callers then reported the driver slumping over at the wheel before his car collided with several other vehicles at Taylor Way and Marine Drive.

The driver was unresponsive, not breathing and in apparent cardiac arrest. Five members of the public from vehicles involved in the collision offered first aid, including CPR. Police were on scene moments later.

A defibrillator carried in the police patrol car was used but did not revive the driver. West Vancouver Fire and Rescue and a BC Ambulance Services Advance Life Support crew arrived and took over care of the unresponsive male. After further treatment by paramedics and at hospital, the 48-year-old Surrey man was revived and has since fully recovered. The investigating officer recommended that five citizens be formally honoured for their actions, which were believed to be critical in helping save the driver’s life.

At the regular meeting of the West Vancouver Police Board Thursday night, Melissa Bellman, Christina Ray and Afrothiti Yannitsos of Vancouver, Jason Buitenhuis of North Vancouver, and Devon Welsh of Lilloet were each presented with Chief Constable’s Letters of Commendation by West Vancouver Police Chief Len Goerke.  

– Rosalind Duane