2010-02-23 12:32 PST

Sometimes, what sounds like a typical call for assistance turns into a life-saving mission. On the morning of February 19, 2010, two members of the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (ISU) came face-to-face with that reality.

Cst. Walter Paige, an RCMP member with two years’ service from “K” Division’s Leduc Detachment (near Edmonton), and Sgt. Marc Tremblay a 25-year veteran with St-Eustache Police Service (near Montreal), were on duty at Canada Hockey Place when at 7:55 a.m., they responded to a call to assist a man who was having a diabetic attack.

Two minutes later, the two ISU members arrived on scene and found a 50-year-old man lying on his back and unconscious. He has been an employee of GM Place (a.k.a. Canada Hockey Place for the duration of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics) for the past five years.

Cst. Paige and Sgt. Tremblay immediately began performing CPR and continued relentlessly for ten minutes until paramedics and the local fire department arrived on scene. The paramedics and fire department personnel continued performing CPR and used a defibrillator several times. Fifteen minutes later, a faint pulse was detected and the man was transported to St. Paul’s Hospital.

As first responders, police officers are often called to use skills other than operational ones such as firearms. In this instance, their CPR and First Aid skills afforded them the ability to respond no matter what the situation called for.

“The RCMP have given other municipal police departments an occasion to participate in the Olympic Games with them, which is a once in a life time opportunity. It is with much gratitude that I thank the people who thought of this,” said Sgt. Tremblay. “The sad situation that has come upon us for the medical assistance shows that two police officers from two different police departments serve and protect the same way facing any kind of call. It is our duty to assist the public in any way we can. I sincerely hope that the victim in this case can get back in good health as soon as possible and my prayers are with him and his family.”

There’s no question about the benefits of Cst. Paige and Sgt. Tremblay’s quick response and ability to perform CPR. As a result of the valiant efforts of these two men, and those of the paramedics and the local fire department, the 50-year-old man is still alive, although he is on life support and in intensive care. Those who witnessed the incident could not help but remark at the efforts made by the ISU members as the first responders on scene.

“I was happy to be in the right place at the right time to provide the medical assistance and to contribute to the ISU in whatever capacity needed,” said, Cst. Paige.

It is with a great deal of pride that we recognize Cst. Paige and Sgt. Tremblay. They are here as part of the Integrated Security Unit’s effort to provide the best ever Olympic Games ever. Sometimes, going above and beyond the call of duty is just doing what comes naturally. Thank you for caring not only about the Olympics, but also for living up to the ideal of “to serve and protect”.

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Contact information:
Vancouver 2010 ISU
604-247-8600
1-877-646-2010
v2010isu_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca