Imagine the sound of sneakers squeaking on the hardwood floor, the adrenaline of a tight basketball game, and the thrill of sinking a three-pointer. Now, imagine that same scene suddenly shifting into a life-or-death situation.This happened to Adam Boyles, a man from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. He recently received a Rescuer Award from the Canadian Red Cross for his heroic actions during an ordinary basketball game.
A Day on the Court Takes an Unexpected Turn
The two met regularly on the court, but Boyles debated staying home that day before deciding to meet McDermott for a two-on-two game. The game lasted an hour and a half. McDermott collapsed after winning with a three-point field goal, a shot made from beyond the three-point line and one of the hardest to master in basketball. "I was impressed with John's ability to keep up with the younger guys. It was a tight game. I congratulated him and went to get a drink of water. I was gone less than a minute."
A Quick Response to a Sudden Emergency
When Boyles returned, he saw McDermott slumped on the floor against a wall beside a leaking overturned water bottle. "I rushed to him and flipped him over to find him completely lifeless. After about two minutes of mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions, the life came back to his eyes, and he took a deep breath. He remained unconscious and appeared to be unable to breathe regularly, so I kept up CPR."
A staff member stepped in to assist with chest compressions while an exhausted Boyles continued mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until paramedics arrived 20 minutes later.
McDermott, the son of Naismith Hall of Famer Bobby McDermott, played basketball in college and nominated Boyles for the Rescuer Award. He describes his ordeal with emotion and adds he is extremely grateful for Boyles' intervention.
"I sat down to sip some water and had a heart attack. I was dead. The gym cleared as people sought help but not Adam. He understood the moment. I had little time."
McDermott recalls Adam's voice cutting through his consciousness like a lifeline. "You are not going on my watch!" Adam's words echoed in his mind as he drifted in and out of consciousness.
Adam's voice, filled with determination, cut through the chaos. "You are not going on my watch!" He shouted. Even when McDermott threw up, Adam didn't stop. In the ambulance, he was told that Adam had saved his life and prevented brain damage.
Moving Forward with Gratitude
After undergoing open-heart surgery and spending a month in the hospital, John is now on the road to recovery, surrounded by the unwavering support of his friends and family.Reflecting on the incident, Adam expressed gratitude for remembering his CPR training from a first aid course he had taken years before. "I hope it inspires people to complete their first aid training because you never know when a loved one—or someone else's loved one—can be saved," he said.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes
The Canadian Red Cross honours individuals like Adam through the Rescuer Award, recognizing untrained or non-professional rescuers and off-duty first responders who step up in critical moments to provide life-saving aid. These awards are a testament to ordinary people's bravery and quick thinking in extraordinary circumstances.Nominations for the Rescuer Award come from the public, ensuring that everyday heroes like Adam are celebrated for their remarkable courage and selflessness. In moments of crisis, people like Adam Boyles remind us of the power of quick action, compassion, and life-saving skills that can make all the difference.
Remember, obtaining Canadian Red Cross First Aid training will give you the confidence to take action in emergency situations like the one in this story. Enroll in first aid training in your community.
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