We lived in Chilliwack for 14 years but had moved to Langley a few years ago. We always have fond memories of Chilliwack, and little did we know that our lives would come full circle because of a chance encounter with two strangers from Chilliwack.
On our return flight to Vancouver from Puerto Vallarta on Nov. 24, my husband became ill. The flight attendants made him stay at the back of the plane and tried their best to make him feel comfortable. I moved from my seat to be with my husband and out of concern suggested to the flight attendant to request assistance from any medical professionals on the economy class section of the plane.
Two gentlemen came to the back of the plane, one identifying himself as a medical doctor and the other as a paramedic. They worked in tandem talking to my husband to get a better understanding of the cause of his distress, and continue to monitor his vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, etc.). They stayed with him for a while to reassure him that he would be OK. They then came back to check on him several times.
The paramedic gave my husband some Gravol, and he also decided to sit with my husband for the rest of the flight so he could continue to check on him. He also took notes, which he shared with the paramedics who came on board when our plane landed in Vancouver. My husband was taken by ambulance to Richmond General Hospital for series of tests and observations and was later released.
It is a simple story with human element. The professionalism of Dr. Ralph Jones and the paramedic from Chilliwack (he probably told me his name, but my brain could not process information at that time) exemplifies the best. The compassion and kindness they showed was heartwarming, which made our stressful situation bearable. Dr. Jones even called my husband last night to check on him. That was beyond the call of duty.
We will always be grateful to these two gentlemen. Now, when we think of Chilliwack, we will not just think of Vedder River, or Chilliwack corn, or honey and free-range eggs. Chilliwack will remind us of the goodness in its people as shown to us by Dr. Jones and the paramedic.
Siony Faulder