Re: ‘Death at winter games prompts review,’ March 2 Gazette:
I was relieved to read that a review of a hockey player’s death at the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games will be held. As a witness to most of the incident, serious questions should be raised.
Why did it take so long for medical responders to arrive? Apparently, a spectator from the stands was the first to respond on the ice. Servus Place staff (lifeguards from the swimming pool) arrived several minutes later and a defibrillator was used. Even more alarming was the delay in the arrival of an ambulance — not seven or eight or even 10 minutes as reported, but 15 minutes or more based on eyewitness reports (hockey players on ice and others).
Crucial questions arise: Why were there no paramedics or medical staff on site at this event? Why would it take an inordinate length of time for an ambulance to arrive? Surely one should have been on site or on standby.
Hopefully, answers will be forthcoming and made public to ensure improvement in the future.
R. Lecuyer, St. Albert
