A White Rock man was saved by rapid delivery of CPR. South Surrey’s Patrick Storoshenko was there to help. A man who was unconscious, not breathing and moments away from death. He was lucky it was Storoshenko who was within earshot in White Rock.

Timely intervention to save a life

Storoshenko was walking through the White Rock Elks parking lot shortly after noon to get his haircut when a distressed woman ran to him with arms in the air. She was shouting about her friend overdosing.

Edmonton first aid — Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can save lives.

The woman was on the phone with 911 dispatch. She handed Storoshenko her phone and left. He found the man who appeared to be in his 30s on a nearby deck.

The man was unconscious, eye rolled in the back of head, completely limp and not responding according to Storoshenko. The dispatch instructed him to lay the struggling man flat, elevate his head and listen for breathing.

When he could not hear the breathing, he was instructed to start CPR. The dispatcher guided him on how to perform the life-saving procedure. As the chaotic scene unfolded, Storoshenko yelled for help but received none from any passersby.

He estimated that the ambulance arrived within 4 minutes and paramedics quickly administered naloxone which is an injected medication used to block the effects of opioids. He was given a shot 3 times. The man regained his breath but sat still for around 15 minutes before he got up.

CPR can save lives

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can save lives. You can learn this technique by enrolling in a first aid course today.

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