Quick Thinking Saves Life

Local RCMP members attended a call on May 12th at 2:55pm regarding a two vehicle accident at the corner of Baycroft Drive and Centennial Drive North in Martensville. Calls like these are a common occurrence for emergency crews; however, that will be a day that will always stick out for Martensville residents Wayne and Teresa Duquesne.

What started out as a typical day quickly turned into a situation that required some quick thinking and lifesaving actions. The Duquesne’s were waiting at the stop sign located at the intersection when they were suddenly jarred by the impact of someone rear ending their vehicle. “When I looked back at the vehicle that hit us, I could see that the driver was slumped over and laying on the passenger,” Wayne explained. He then requested that his wife call 911 and sprang into action.

Upon exiting his car, Wayne knew immediately that the 69-year-old driver was in medical distress. The car that struck them was still in drive and the tires were spinning, so Wayne asked the passenger to reach over and turn the car off. The vehicle began rolling backwards, and Wayne managed to get the door open, hit the brakes and pull the emergency brake to ensure the vehicle would remain motionless.

“I then checked on the driver who was unconscious and not breathing. I checked for a pulse and felt nothing so that is when I decided to pull him out of the car and start CPR. After 5 or 6 rounds of compressions, his heart started and he began breathing on his own,” Wayne explained.

It was then that Reg LePage from Wrench Fitness arrived on the scene with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). “I put the device on him and at that point, his heart stopped again and he wasn’t breathing. That is when we used the AED and the shock of it helped to get him breathing again and he had a good pulse. Shortly after, the paramedics showed up and took over.”

This is not the first time that Wayne, who took first aid training in high school when he was training to be a life guard, has been required to perform CPR. “I have done CPR once back in college when a good friend of mine had a heart attack. Unfortunately it did not have the same result and he passed away. That experience has definitely made a huge impact on my life.”

Since the incident, Wayne has been in contact with the wife of the driver who required CPR, and is relieved to hear that he is doing well thus far. “I wish him all the best in his recovery and hope to have a coffee with him one day.”

“I am so thankful for everyone’s assistance – from my wife Teresa on the phone with 911 and all of the by-standers with their support. The quick response from Reg and the Wrench staff with the AED definitely saved this man’s life.”