A man participating in the Montreal half-marathon event collapsed about two kilometers away from the finishing line. It happened near the corner of Cherrier and St-Hubert streets about 10 in the morning. According to a witness the police called for help, but first responders arrived after 25 minutes. The police identified the man as Patrick Neely, about in his early 20’s.
Saving a life
The spokesperson for the Urgences-sante, Valerie Tremblay, according to her some bystanders in the area were already providing first aid on the victim when first responders arrived. The first aid team of the race was not yet in the area.
One of the witnesses named Josee Gagnon was watching from the sidelines. Gagnon together with a nurse run immediately to Neely. They offered him water and provided first aid and CPR. She cooled the victim with water while others continued their efforts in resuscitating Neely. They continued talking to Neely, reassuring him just to make him remain conscious.
Some medical professionals who were participating in the event also stopped and tried to help. An AED or an automated external defibrillator was not available and only chest compressions can only be provided for the victim.
Neely started to turn blue with several bystanders crowding around, Gagnon immediately called the emergency numbers. She asked the operator what was taking them so long to respond to this emergency. The operator responded that they have not received any calls about the incident.
According to Gagnon, it was already 20 to 25 minutes before an ambulance arrived. She is wondering why the first call from the police not heard by paramedics.
Studies have shown that medical emergencies usually happen near the finishing line of long events such as the marathon. Nearly 80% of the cardiac arrest happens within the 1.5kilometers of the finish line.
Vincent Thibaudeau who is an experienced marathoner and also participated in the recent event said that there should always be paramedics on standby along the last couple of kilometers of the race. It is necessary to have plenty of responders at these locations and more defibrillators. the organizers failed in their responsibilities.
The organizers stated in the news that they are offering their sincere condolence and sympathies to the family of Neely and friends.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a first aid and CPR course and for more information, check out these sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid