Bo Lu knew just what to do

NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN RED CROSS

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On January 19, 2014, on a badminton court at White Pines Collegiate & Vocational School, a life was saved and an “everyday” hero was born.

A participant, Mr. Ben Pritchard, collapsed due to a sudden cardiac arrest. 

Mr. Bo Lu immediately recognized the problem, called 911 and began performing CPR. 

He obtained an AED that the Algoma District School Board had installed, began the process of defibrillating and continued with CPR until Emergency Personnel arrived and were able to take over. 

Doctors have advised that were it not for the quick and effective action of Mr. Lu, Mr. Pritchard would not have survived the cardiac arrest and certainly would not have had a successful recovery.

On May 26, 2014, the Sault Ste. Marie Branch of the Canadian Red Cross presented Bo Lu with the Red Cross Rescuer Award at the City Council meeting.

Mr. Pritchard and his family were also in attendance at yesterday’s City Council meeting to congratulate and show their appreciation to Mr. Lu for saving Mr. Pritchard’s life that day in January.

The Red Cross Rescuer Award is presented to non-professional rescuers or off-duty first responders who have volunteered to save a life, prevented further injury and/or provided comfort to the injured.

Mr. Lu did just that.

It is important for everyone to realize that medical emergencies such as heart attacks can and do occur every day.

Being prepared to respond, like Bo Lu, in the event of an emergency could be vital to a victim’s survival. 

The Red Cross First Aid program offers comprehensive training that teaches essential life-saving skills using a hands-on approach and steps that are easy to learn, retain, and perform.

It is now easier than ever to perform CPR and potentially save a life.

Following research and new international guidelines released in 2010, the Canadian Red Cross adapted these guidelines and launched a revised CPR and First Aid program in 2011.

In most Canadian cities, the average ambulance response time is more than eight minutes.

Permanent brain damage can occur four to six minutes after breathing stops.

Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim’s chance of survival.

This was the case for Ben Pritchard, who has been told that he can start playing badminton again as soon as this Fall.

The Canadian Red Cross would like to extend its congratulations to Mr. Bo Lu for his actions and they are honoured to have presented this award yesterday evening.  

For information on First Aid, CPR or Automated External Defibrillator (AED) courses in your area, visit www.redcross.ca/firstaid, or call 705-759-4547. 

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