Congratulations are pouring in for Team Leaders Gerry Segal and Mike Litvack whose observant surveillance techniques and quick action may have averted a tragic outcome last night for an elderly resident of Smart Ave.
In Mike's words, "We had an incident that makes vCOP a bonafide arm of Cote Saint-Luc's Public Safety initiative as well as asserting the positive aspects of a neighbourhood patrol. While doing our usual shift we noticed what looked to be, at first, a child playing in the snow. We stopped 902, and Gerry took a closer look. It turned out to be an elderly woman, 76 years old, who had fallen about 15 minutes earlier in the snow at the entrance to her house. When Gerry called me for assistance, she was clawing, bare-handed in the snow, to regain herself, but to no avail. She couldn't get up as she had little strength in her legs. We spoke to her, and assured her that we would assist her back to her feet, and to her home".
"We helped her to her door, keeping her cold hands covered with my warm hands, and lead her into her entrance, asking all the while if she felt all right. She then said everything was NOW all right, and told us the rest of the story. She was a diabetic and was going to miss her timetable insulin shot if we hadn't arrived. She would probably have spent the night outside, as there was no traffic on Smart at that time of night".
"She thanked us profusely, over and over again, saying what a great service that we did for the seniors of Cote Saint-Luc. Gerry and I later remarked that we probably saved this woman's life....all because of vCOP and their patrols. This was the real service, not a garbage can tipped over, not a dog in a park, not an open garage door. People helping people, ...that's what we are and do!"
While we cannot jump to a conclusion that this woman's life was saved it is very clear from the description of events that she was given crucial assistance and very good care that may well have averted a tragic outcome. Mike and Gerry were at the right place at the right time. For that we can be grateful.
As always, we can learn from our experiences, and all members are reminded that under such circumstances we must first always report in to dispatch when we spot something out of the ordinary or when we leave the vehicle. When we come across a person whose health may be compromised in any way, we must first call dispatch and await further instructions. Of course, if we come across a person who is not breathing or unconscious, those members who have received CPR/AED training should take action immediately after contacting dispatch.
This was a great call and good work by our TLs. Congratulations to Mike and Gerry. They inspire us all to keep our eyes open and offer a helping hand whenever needed.
