GRT employee saves a life
It started off as a regular workday when bus operator Jeremy Vachon arrived at Cambridge Centre Station for his shift on Thursday, Aug. 7. That is, until a car entered the bus-only area of the station.
Vachon went to let them know they could not remain in the space. As he approached, he was told a male passenger in the back seat was experiencing a seizure.
“I instructed the driver to pull the vehicle into an open area in the parking lot and ran over to offer assistance,” said Vachon.
“Jeremy’s willingness to assist someone echoes the integrity and connection to community that frontline bus operators have with the people of Waterloo Region,” said Ben Singer, Assistant Manager, Transit Services.
In the moment, Vachon relied on his first aid training. “I asked for permission to touch him and introduced myself,” said Vachon. “He was choking on his vomit and seizing as I told him I was going to lift him out of the car and get him on his side.”
While on his side, Vachon cleared the airway enabling the man to breathe. The man gasped as the seizure subsided. Somewhat confused and bewildered, the man started to get up and with Vachon’s help sat back in the car.
“As I reintroduced myself, I could hear the sirens as the ambulance approached. I shook the man’s hand and told the other passengers that help was on the way and that I had to go,” recounts Vachon.
“I am so proud of Jeremy but not surprised. He is a kind, compassionate person. He always brings a smile to the faces of everyone he meets, and we are so happy to have him working with us,” shared Lisa Main, a fellow GRT bus operator.
Vachon then got behind the wheel of the Route 50 bus and completed his shift like usual. When asked about his act of heroism, Vachon responded humbly. “The guy just needed some basic first aid. I was there and did what was necessary,” he explained. “I’d do it all over again.”