Good Samaritans save woman’s life in dramatic rescue on Hwy. 1, BC

Good Samaritans save woman’s life in dramatic rescue on Hwy. 1

A 44-year-old Langley mother of three is alive today thanks to the actions of two fellow motorists, after having a heart attack while driving down Highway 1.

Just before 9 am yesterday, while traveling down Highway 1 westbound by the Brunette Ave. off ramp, the 44-year old woman lost consciousness, and her Volkswagen Golf contacted the highway barrier.

“In an amazing display of bravery, skillful driving and quick thinking, Mr. Courtney SMITH pulled his vehicle – a Kia Sedona – in front of the woman’s car. Using his vehicle he managed to safely bring the woman’s car to a stop,” says Cpl. Annie Linteau, spokesperson for RCMP in BC.

Mr. Ron MacLEOD, an enforcement officer with the Agricultural Land Commission who witnessed these actions, stopped his truck and activated his emergency lights.

He and Mr. Smith then jumped out of their vehicles, but since the woman’s car doors were locked, they had to use a tire jack to smash out the window. With the help of two other motorists who stopped to help, they then pulled the unconscious woman out. At that time she had no pulse.

“Mr. MacLEOD began performing CPR right there in the HOV lane, with little regard for his own safety,” said Cpl. Linteau. “An RCMP traffic officer arrived two minutes later, and assisted Mr. MacLEOD in giving compressions to the woman, and called for emergency health services.”

The police officer and Mr. MacLEOD maintained CPR until paramedics arrived, at which time the woman driver was resuscitated. She was transported to hospital, where it was determined she had suffered a massive heart attack.

“We’re very thankful for the actions of Mr. SMITH and Mr. MacLEOD, as well as the other two motorists who stopped to help. They not only helped save this woman’s life, it’s very likely they also prevented other serious injuries or worse, as this all occurred on the busiest highway in the region, during rush hour,” said Cpl. Linteau.

RCMP officers checked on the well being of the woman this morning, and she is still listed as being in critical condition.