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TW Distribution was recently the scene of a moving, but above all inspiring, story that saw two members of Unifor Local 698—David Savard (unit president) and Steve Comptois, along with Mireille Vinet, a non-unionized employee—perform a heroic act that literally saved a life.
When one of their co-workers suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed, they immediately sprang into action. For several long minutes, and in extremely stressful circumstances, they coolly applied cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers, including cardiac massage, defibrillation and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, until help arrived. Thanks to their rapid intervention and cool-headedness, their colleague is alive today.
The importance of training
Vinet, Savard and Comptois are not really interested in personal gratitude. What they want is to make workplaces aware of the importance of training as many first-aiders as possible, and providing essential equipment such as defibrillators. They have agreed to tell their story to help advance this cause, which can mean the difference between life and death.
In this case, the decisive role played by the employer also deserves to be highlighted. The law requires that a limited number of first-aiders be trained, based on the size of the plant, but TW Distribution recently decided to train as many as 14 first-aiders, and further training is already planned. This proactive decision saved a life.
On May 9, Daniel Cloutier, the Quebec Director of Unifor, visited the site to commend them for their courage. He was accompanied by Unifor National Representative Alexandre Lamarre and Nicolas Lalonde, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 698. This emotional visit was an opportunity to pay tribute to these exceptional members.
“The actions of Mireille, David and Steve go beyond words. Their prompt action and composure made all the difference,” said Cloutier. “Their courage and dedication were exemplary. Their story is a powerful reminder that first-aid training and the proper equipment really do save lives. I’m honoured to have been able to meet them.”
Unifor is proud to be able to count on such courageous members, and will continue to advocate for safe and properly equipped workplaces.
