By Spencer Sterritt

Nanaimo women honoured for saving musician’s life with CPR

Apr 29, 2019 | 7:34 PM

NANAIMO — A routine Sunday afternoon of dancing to a cover band at a downtown Nanaimo bar turned into an adrenaline-fueled effort to save the life of the bassist who suffered a cardiac arrest.

Several months later, Alice Eerling and Angela Schwab stood beside musician Larry Greenwood accepting the Vital Link Award, given by BC Emergency Health Services to those who start CPR in the crucial moments before paramedics arrive.

Eerling said she was dancing to the tune of “Stormy Monday” by the Allman Brothers when Schwab suddenly jumped onto the stage at the Queens in November.

“I looked and jumped right after her because I knew something was going on,” Eerling said.

Schwab saw Greenwood suddenly step back and fall mid-song and immediately knew something was wrong.

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She said there was very little thinking during the next few moments, just adrenaline as she called 911 and directed Eerling through the steps of CPR.

“Having people around and asking them to be quiet so I could hear on the phone, that was taking charge. In that moment, you just do it. It just kind of comes,” Schwab said.

Greenwood was taken to hospital and returned to the stage several months later, with his prowess behind a bass guitar and his quick wit intact.

Both Eerling and Schwab said they cried when seeing Greenwood back on the stage playing the songs they loved to dance to.

They were nominated for the Vital Link Award by Greenwood, who said he has respect for everyone who knows CPR and is ready to jump into action.

After a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival plummets 10 per cent a minute without CPR or assistance.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit