Islanders honoured for life-saving CPR
Most people at the event didn't know how to react, says rescuer
Two Prince Edward Islanders were awarded Canadian Red Cross Rescuer Awards Monday night for saving a man who collapsed during an auction in Kensington two years ago.
Thomas Smallman, a trained firefighter, performed CPR with Marlene Lawrence, an auction house employee, until the paramedics arrived. Smallman said most people at the event froze when the man collapsed.
"No one was really doing anything," said Smallman.
"[Marlene Lawrence] was there checking for pulse. There was no pulse. When I seen the gentleman the ear lobes was purple, blueish, and the lips. So we proceeded to do CPR and within a couple of minutes I started to see some colour."
Smallman recently retired from the O'Leary Fire Department, and now drives a school bus.
Smallman received his award in a ceremony at Fanningbank from Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry. Lawrence was unable to attend.
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With files from Island Morning