Three people were formally recognized this week for their successful efforts to save the life of a North Delta woman.
At Monday night’s municipal council meeting, Delta Fire and Emergency Services Chief Dan Copeland and Coun. Jeannie Kanakos (standing in for Mayor Lois Jackson) gave lifesaving awards to Corporation of Delta engineering department employee Talvir Nijjer, Delta Fire Batallion Chief Mark Creer and civilian Loryn LeGear for their successful efforts in saving the life of Rosie Schubert .
“This event has forever changed me. It was and still is a surreal, traumatic but miraculous experience,” Schubert said, fighting back tears. “Grateful does not begin to express how I feel. You saved my life. You gave me a gift more precious than anything I could ever wish for. You gave me my life.
"None of you had to stop, none of you had to do anything, but you did. And because of what you did I’m here today. I would not be here had you not stopped and taken action. I would not be here to kiss and hug my daughter Maggie, laugh and smile with my husband, and share precious moments with my family and friends. You gave me this.”
On July 13, 2016, at approximately 8:46 a.m., Schubert collapsed with jogging with her daughter Maggie in a stroller. LeGear was the first person on the scene, pulling her car over and using it to shield Schubert who had fallen into the road. LeGear stayed with Schubert for the duration of the event, about one hour, helping to look after Maggie.
Meanwhile, a bystander flagged-down Creer, who happened to be on his way to a motor vehicle accident on Scott Road. Creer called for assistance from the firehall on 84th Avenue and B.C. Ambulance Service, and shortly thereafter Schubert went into cardiac arrest. Creer began CPR and was joined by Nijjer, who had been driving by and pulled over to render assistance. They continued to attend to Schubert until the fire crew arrived, at which time her pulse was restored using an automated external defibrillator.
“This is a truly special occasion for me to be able to recognize some people for some outstanding acts. Normally in our line of work as first responders, we go out, we do our job and you sometimes never hear the outcomes of the work we’ve performed, Copeland said. “Citizens of the Lower Mainland are very fortunate to have emergency professional staff and concerned individuals in the community who are able to provide assistance in emergency circumstances when required.”