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A man who witnessed a woman collapse outside Chinook Regional Hospital doors last Friday is concerned that it took 15 minutes for help to arrive.
“I went into the hospital three times looking for help and assistance saying, ‘We need to get the people from the emergency department to get a gurney out there and get her right now,’ but they wouldn’t do it. Instead they sent security guards to secure the area,” said Tony Stephan.
“The (hospital) policy is that if somebody fails to make it to the door, they can’t go out and get them. They must have EMS pick them up. And in this case, this woman may very well have lost her life — if she isn’t brain damaged because of the fact that she was oxygen deprived.”
Around 2 p.m. Friday, Stephan was walking on the hospital sidewalk when he noticed a woman carrying a purse and a bouquet of flowers falter at the curb of the parking lot.
“I turned to look, and next she kind of slumped onto the curb. She didn’t fall but she kind of let herself down, and then laid back.”
Two other ladies rushed to help the woman while Stephan ran inside the hospital to get help.
Eventually a woman stepped up to perform artificial respiration while a security guard started CPR. The ambulance arrived shortly after — about 15 minutes after the woman collapsed, said Stephan.
“It was a terrifying situation. When they loaded her onto the gurney, she was just absolutely blue.”
Stephan said he was told the woman was in stable condition. Due to patient confidentiality, he knows nothing else.
Andrew Will, acting senior vice-president of CRH, said the incident provided an opportunity for the hospital to learn how to respond more efficiently should a similar incident happen again. He said the hospital is committed to improving the current practice.
He said immediate steps have been taken to ensure better communication and response, but the hospital plans an in-depth look into the incident in order to implement a new policy for medical emergencies that happen outside of the building.
Bright lights, big tour
There will be light — lots of light — on the 49th annual Christmas light tour.
Kotch’s Exotic International Travel and Tours Christmas Lights Tour, organized by Steve Kotch, will lead a car cavalcade through all areas of the city to enjoy Christmas light displays on Dec. 18.
“It’s free of charge and everybody can come,” Kotch said.
Share musical talent
Have some old-time music in your reportoire? Alberta Health Services (AHS) is seeking volunteers to perform for patients on the Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit of the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers should enjoy working with the elderly.
AHS is also looking for volunteers for the gift shop to sell items such as flowers, confection and lottery tickets on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. All profits are donated to the hospital for patient care. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
For more information on these opportunities, contact Kori Kuryvial at 403-388-6583.
Taiko drum on display
The drum that started it all has returned to city hall.
A special ceremony on Dec. 6 brought Lethbridge’s first Japanese taiko drum back for permanent display as a symbol of the city’s continued friendship with its sister city of Towada, Japan.
Representatives of Towada City gave Lethbridge the traditional drum in 2004 to celebrate the twinning of the two cities, which was finalized in 2002. In the decade since, Lethbridge has used its bond with the people of Towada to strengthen its own vibrant Japanese community, said Harold Pereverseff, president of the Lethbridge Twinning Society.
Meet at the Exhibition grandstand and Kotch will hand out maps from a tour bus starting at 5 p.m. The car cavalcade will start the route at 5:30 p.m. and the whole tour will take about 90 minutes.
Anyone who wants to have their house or a brightly lit neighbourhood included in the tour should phone Kotch at 403-320-9999. Homes that can’t be included in the tour will be listed at the bottom of the map so people can visit them at their leisure. Maps will only be available at the time of the tour.
Nominate distinguished alumni
Only a few days remain to nominate someone for Lethbridge College’s 2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards which will be presented April 20.
Nominations are being accepted for four awards. They include Distinguished Alumni, Community Leader, Career Virtuoso and Rising Star. Information on the award categories and nomination forms can be found online at www.lethbridgecollege.ca/alumni. Deadline for applications is Dec. 16.
Senior Choir presents night of music
First United Church Senior Choir will shine during its performance “The Light of the World” on Dec. 18. The choral presentation begins at 7 p.m. in First United Church, 502 13 St. N. A freewill offering will be taken. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra announces free children’s pass
Children aged five to 14 can access Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra concerts for no charge when accompanied by an adult, thanks to a children’s pass. The pass is the result of a partnership between the symphony and the Symphony Women’s League.
Tickets are required for admission and can be obtained at the Ticket Centre.
“The SWL is delighted and excited to be able to provide this opportunity to bring classical music into the lives of younger children, as our motto states,” Sheila Matson, SWL president, said in a news release. “Live performance is extraordinary, and can have a huge impact on impressionable young minds. Such rich childhood experiences will hopefully foster a lifelong love of music.”
For more details about the children’s pass and upcoming performances, visit www.lethbridgesymphony.org or contact symphony general manager Dawn Leite at 101, 410 Stafford Drive South, 403-328-6808 or
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City Hall hosts seasonal concerts
Sounds of the season will once again ring through City Hall.
The foyer will host musicians and choirs for the public to enjoy on select dates in December.
“This noon-hour tradition provides the public a chance to come and enjoy hot apple cider and the sounds of the holidays, and has become a tradition for many of our citizens,” Lori Harasem, Recreation and Culture Development Manager, said in a news release. “With a wide variety of groups, ranging from elementary schools to seniors, the diversity of performances ensures there is something for everyone.”
A schedule listing start times and performers can be found at www.lethbridge.ca, in the Calendar of Events.
Remaining performances include: Dec. 14 Nicholas Sheran Community School, Dec. 16 LCI Gold Jazz Band, Dec. 19 Galbraith Elementary School, Dec. 20 St Patrick’s Fine Arts School Division 2 Choir and Dec. 22 Norbridge ConMoto Singers.
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