Good Samaritans of North Vancouver receive Vital Link Award

Bystander apathy was nowhere to be seen at the North Shore Winter Club on Jan. 25, 2023, when Tim Tanaka, a paramedic and recreational adult hockey player, suddenly went into cardiac arrest.

Tanaka’s teammates Shane Hayes, Neel Sinha, Darren Donnelly and NSWC staffer Jo-Ann Fry were in action.

They called 911 and began CPR, while others obtained a defibrillator and a first aid kit. They worked together to help revive Tanaka before paramedics arrived.

Four months later, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) presented the Good Samaritans quartet with a Vital Link Award. The award was presented on June 27, at the same location, with a healthy Tanaka and his family members in attendance.

Greydon Ratushny, a career firefighter and paramedic in the Metro Vancouver region who was an off-duty advanced care paramedic and played a critical role in rescuing Tanaka on the day of the incident, also received a Letter of Commendation and Challenge Coin.

“I can’t stress enough what they did for me that night. I know how lucky I am to be here, and I am eternally grateful for their actions,” said Tanaka, who cannot remember the night of the incident.

The BCEHS Vital Link Award recognizes the skillful and quick-thinking actions of bystanders who perform CPR or use an AED in the event of a cardiac arrest. Such actions are an essential link in the successful survival of a patient.

“It’s great to see stories like Tim’s that show the impact of CPR,” said Paramedic Public Information Officer Brian Twaites.

More than 60,000 Canadians suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year. When the public is trained in CPR and AED use, they can double a person’s chance of survival.

Twaites added that many lives could be saved if everyone knew CPR and helped if someone collapsed.

“Even if you took a CPR course a long time ago or haven’t yet, don’t hesitate to call 911. Medical providers can guide you over the phone in the use of CPR and AED,” the officer noted.

Organizations throughout the province offer training. Knowledge of CPR can help save a stranger, a loved one or a family member.

Fatemeh Falah is an intern reporter at North Shore News. She can be reached at (e-mail address).