By A.P. Crawford (ap.crawford@skipatrol.ca)
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, members of the CSP Central Zone Bike Emergency Response Unit (BERU) and Motorcycle Emergency Response Unit (MERU) were providing first aid coverage for the Princess Margaret Hospital Ride to Conquer Cancer. The ride is a two-day event with participants cycling more than 200 km between downtown Toronto and Niagara Falls, Ontario.
At around noon on the first day, Cory Tse was nearing the top of a steep switchback climb when he heard a loud commotion about 50 yards away to his right. It appeared that someone had fallen off their bike and a crowd immediately gathered around. At the same time, Gord Laidlaw and James Moutsos of the MERU pulled up from the opposite direction and positioned their motorcycles to block the road. Cory turned back to alert Matthew Tse who had just reached the top of the hill and Mario Brum, a non-CSP patroller with the BERU also arrived at the scene.
Gord and James were the first to approach the patient’s position, where a bystander had just begun chest compressions. Upon identifying themselves as first responders, Gord immediately took over maintenance of the patient’s airway and beginning two-rescuer CPR while James completed a quick primary assessment of the patient. Once complete, James returned to his motorcycle to retrieve the trauma bag and an AED, which was set up along with the BVM and oxygen equipment.
The AED advised no shock required so the patrollers resumed compressions through several AED cycles, rotating positions. Two AED cycles did advise delivering a shock before the patient regained a pulse.
After activating EMS, Cory continued to liaise with the event dispatcher to provide particulars, patient status updates and facilitating the arrival of EMS.
This scene was taking place on an active roadway with hundreds of cyclists cresting a steep hill from behind with oncoming traffic navigating a slight bend and a descent on the other side, creating a blind spot around the incident. Cory and Matthew immediately managed the direction of the oncoming traffic and then enlisted bystanders to assume the traffic management so they could assist with patient care.
The arrival of EMS was delayed due to a disabled train blocking the route to the site. Before EMS arrived, the patient regained breathing and a radial pulse was found. The patient was then placed in the recovery position.
Upon arrival at the scene, EMS transported the patient to the local hospital where he made a full recovery.
In September 2024, the CSP was pleased to recognize the work of James Moutsos, Gord Laidlaw, Cory Tse, and Matthew Tse in saving the life of their patient under very difficult circumstances.
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