Ambulance Paramedics Recognize MLA Mike Farnworth for Early CPR Intervention

PORT COQUITLAM, BC, July 9, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia (APBC) recognized Mike Farnworth, NDP MLA for Port Coquitlam, today for his role in saving a British Columbian's life by assisting in performing CPR.

In February, Mr. Farnworth was out in Coquitlam and encountered Mikhail Morokhovich who had suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency paramedics had already been contacted as Mr. Farnworth immediately started to assist another bystander, James Smith, who was already performing CPR. Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support ambulance paramedic teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. The early bystander CPR resulted in Mr. Morokhovich's being resuscitated. Happily, this intervention saved Mr. Morokhovich's life. He is doing well, recovering with his family in Coquitlam.

"The paramedics on the scene were impressed with Mr. Farnworth's and Mr. Smith's ability to remain calm and perform CPR," said Bronwyn Barter, APBC's President. "Without a doubt, the quick actions of these two heroes saved Mr. Morokhovich's life. We urge everyone to learn CPR - just one class is all Mr. Farnworth took. He helped save a life and you can too."

"Words cannot express how much I want to thank Mr. Farnworth and Mr. Smith. I am so lucky these gentlemen found me and for the decisions of those men to learn a skill and be able to perform the CPR that saved my life,' said Mikhail Morokhovich. "According to my doctor, only 5% of people survive a heart attack such as mine and only 1% do not need life long care afterwards. Thanks to Mike, James and their CPR training I fall into that 1%. I've been given a second chance that I will cherish forever."

"Two years ago I attended a one hour CPR training session in Victoria, hosted by the Ambulance Paramedics of BC," said Mike Farnworth MLA for Port Coquitlam. "To put that training into practice and help a fellow British Columbian in need gives me a sense of great satisfaction. I encourage everyone to make the time to learn CPR."

Mr. Farnworth and Mr. Smith met with Mr. Morokhovich and his family, along with Bronwyn Barter, Jim Forsdike and Robert MacMillan, two of the responding paramedics today in Port Coquitlam. The APBC provided Mr. Farnworth and Mr. Smith with official Ambulance Paramedics of BC jackets to acknowledge the role they played in saving Mr. Morokhovich's life.

CPR makes a difference between life and death. Learning and performing CPR is easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Call for help and look for danger
2. Open the airway and check if person is breathing
3. If no signs of normal breathing preform chest compressions - find the middle of the chest and compress the chest 2 inches straight down at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute
4. Don't stop. Continue chest compressions until paramedics arrive

Visit the APBC website at www.apbc.ca to view a short video on how to perform CPR.

Media Contact:
Bronwyn Barter
President
Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia
604-209-2946