The Editor,
I was walking my dog in Green Timbers Forest the other day and encountered an unresponsive person lying face down on a trail just off one of the major walking trails snaking through the forest.
I tried to get a reaction from the person, but to no avail, so I called Surrey RCMP. I described the situation and indicated there might be a need for medical attention. I offered to wait onsite to guide any first responders to the scene.
Police, fire and ambulance all arrived within five minutes of my call.
I was absolutely amazed at how quickly the ambulance crew jumped into action – one woman and two men, lugging their gear through the forest. They quickly forged ahead of me on the trails, turning at my shouted directions and quickly arrived on the scene.
Unfortunately, the situation did not unfold in the way I had hoped it would. The person was deceased. Attention was immediately turned toward me and I was consoled, comforted and offered trauma counselling.
I left the scene after giving a statement to the police. But what hit me after the shock wore off was how truly impressed I was by the professionalism, speed, resolve and dedication of our emergency responders. I have to give a big shout out to these selfless, dedicated individuals. You rock!
And to the family and friends of the of the deceased, my sincerest condolences. But rest assured knowing that when he was found, everything humanly possible was done, as expediently as possible, to help.
John Werring, Surrey