A fisherman from Bellevue in Trinity Bay was among those recognized for their bravery and heroism as St. John Ambulance handed out its life saving awards at the Anglican Cathedral in St. John’s this afternoon.
Last August, John Pike heard a cry for help from a fisherman whose boat had capsized just off the coast.
By the time Pike arrived on the scene, the man was already in the water, struggling to stay afloat.
Battling 50 km/h winds and heavy seas, Pike threw a rope to the drowning man who eventually caught hold, and pulled him into his boat.
He says it’s something he doesn’t think about often – but would do it again if someone needed help.
Recipients of Life-Saving Awards include:
• Todd Bath, Steve Crane, Mike Stoyles, Chris Whelan – who worked together to perform CPR and use an AED after a player collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest during a recreational hockey game at Yetman’s Arena in St. John’s in January 2024. The casualty was successfully resuscitated with two shocks from a defibrillator and was conscious when emergency responders arrived.
• Paul McEvoy, Peter Tucker – who after a 45 minute search through rough terrain, located and saved their colleague who had sustained multiple traumatic injuries in an ATV accident and was in critical condition. Mr. McEvoy and Mr. Tucker worked together to stabilize the casualty, control bleeding, and protect his spine.
• John Pike – who saved a fellow fisherman from drowning in Trinity Bay in August 2024. Using a rope, Mr. Pike pulled the man aboard his boat to safety after the casualty’s vessel went underwater.
• John Power – who performed CPR on a St. Clare’s Hospital employee who collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest in May 2024. The casualty was unresponsive for six minutes before regaining signs of life under Mr. Power’s care.
• Shane Ryan – who provided critical first aid to a Newfoundland Power colleague after a 20-foot fall in St. John’s in December 2024, stabilizing broken bones and controlling bleeding until emergency services arrived.
Additionally, Helen Hayward and Bride Hepditch were invested as Serving Members of the Order of St. John.
