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February 26, 2023 - 3:43 PM
A Penticton woman expected strangers would have shown more compassion when she was performing CPR on somebody in medical distress outside of a Tim Hortons.
While passing through the parking lot of the coffee shop near Walmart on Feb. 25, Lisa Myers came across an unconscious 25-year-old woman who was laying down in a strange position.
“Nobody would lay down with their legs like that,” Myers said. “It was just that soft staring when people overdose.”
The woman was unresponsive so Myers, who is a trained nurse, dialled 9-1-1 and began performing CPR. The dispatcher asked if there was anybody else who could help, particularly to direct the ambulance.
There was a “boyfriend” with the unconscious woman and Myers asked if he could help, but he said he had to go to work.
“Then he stated trying to take stuff from her,” Myers said, who then shouted at him to leave.
“Like a mama bear with her cubs – or any person caring for another – you can get pretty loud if need be to protect your patients.”
Although the coffee shop is on a busy street, the only other people who could see what was happening were those in line for the drive-thru. But nobody offered to help. Inside of one truck were two men in their 40s pointing and laughing.
Myers felt “astounded” by the way other members of the public responded.
“I’ve met so many nice people in this city – I’ve been here 18 months – but when push came to shove, it seem like you’re on your own,” she said
Nevertheless she’s not going to stop helping people who need help.
“We should all be aware of the other people in our community and be willing to help them in someway shape or form."
Myers isn’t sure why the woman was in medical distress but she noticed a crack pipe and lighter within reach. She didn't speak with her but saw her standing up with the paramedics a few minutes after the ambulance arrived.
"It blew my mind (to see her standing)."
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