Written by MWO WILLIAM ELLIOTT Fire Chief, 3 CDSB Edmonton
On Friday, January 22, 2016, four members of the 3rd Canadian Division Support Base (3 CDSB) Edmonton Operations Services Branch Fire Hall, received Commander Commendations. The commendations were presented in recognition of the valuable skill sets these members were able to use during extreme circumstances, which had a positive outcome for military and civilian personnel in distress.
The four members' commendations are as follows:
As a Lead Emergency Medical Responder, Master Corporal (MCpl) Andy Matthews has had two successful patient revivals due to CPR intervention. First, on June 18, 2013, MCpl Matthews provided CPR to a 61-year- old male patient while he instructed his subordinates to set up oxygen and the AED. The second occurred on July 31, 2013, where he provided CPR to a 2S-year-oid female patient who was unresponsive and without vital signs Vital signs were re-established and the patient was transported to the hospital.
Sergeant (Retired) Neil Cristo witnessed a violent vehicle accident while stopped in traffic in Spruce Grove on April 10, 2014. A vehicle had sped through an intersection, impacting into a private residence, causing significant damage to both property and vehicle. He immediately ascertained that the female driver was conscious but not fully alert. Sergeant (Retired) Cristo, fearing a spinal injury, took spinal precautions and reassured the victim while he waited for local ambulance and fire department personnel to arrive.
On February 2, 2015, Corporal (Cpl) John MacDonald was among the first firefighters responding to a Residential Housing Unit and took control of a 15-month-old child who was found to be semi-conscious, breathing shallow, feverish, choking on vomit, and experiencing diarrhea. As the Lead Emergency Medical Responder, Cpl MacDonald's calm professionalism and swift action led to a positive outcome. He correctly applied his skills and training to be able to keep the child's airway clear despite the ongoing vomiting until the ambulance arrived.
On March 1, 2015, Cpl Wayne Eraser, while off duty, was the first firefighter on scene after a hockey injury at the Garrison Arena. Cpl Fraser took spinal precautions to protect the casualty and provided reassurance while waiting for the Garrison Fire Department to arrive. The attending doctor praised the first responders, saying the patient's recovery was due to the first-rate care on the accident scene.
The Commander's Commendations, presented by Colonel Stephen Lacroix, Commander 3 CDSB Edmonton, are a testament to the skills of these members and their dedication to assisting their fellow man.
Photo (Left to Right) Corporal Wayne Fraser, Master Corporal Andy Matthews, Sergeant (Retired) Neil Cristo, and Corporal John Mac Dona Id. from 3 CDSB Ops Svcs Branch Fire Hall, hold their Commander's Commendations following the presentation by Colonel Stephen Lacroix, Commander 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3 CDSG), and Chief Warrant Officer James Doppler, 3 CDSG Group Sergeant Major, at the Fire Hall on January 22, 2016.
PHOTO BY MCPL FRIEDA VANPUTTEN, 3CDSB IMAGING