Local response praised for life-saving efforts at Shell

The efforts of Shell’s Emergency Response Team, a Local 128 (Boilermakers) member and a Local 663 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Welders) apprentice have been recognized locally for helping save the life of another worker at Shell’s Sarnia Manufacturing Centre on April 19, 2021.

While in the lunchroom, a contractor suffered a medical emergency, resulting in a call for an ambulance to the Shell Sarnia Refinery. Before the ambulance could arrive, however, Ron Simon and Cody Shephard, with Local 128 and Local 663 respectively, immediately responded and began performing live-saving measures on the other worker until Shell’s Emergency Response Team could respond.

Shell’s investment in Corporate Control Framework Standards and Emergency Management Standards and training for their responders have helped set a high level of response practices, and these efforts were on full display in the quick, decisive, and skilled response in this incident.

These quick actions by Simon and Shephard, and the excellent response processes in place for Shell responders, provided the necessary support before local EMS arrived on scene and was able to transfer the individual to hospital for more advanced care, something that Jeff Brooks, Deputy Manager of Emergency Medical Services with the County of Lambton praised.

“Lambton EMS has always enjoyed a close working relationship with all of industry and their response teams thanks to the processes put in place through CAER,” he said. “This is a true example of the teamwork that takes place in Lambton County on a daily basis and is a standard that many other areas try to emulate.”

John Swart, President of the Sarnia-Lambton Building & Construction Trades Council, said that he is proud of the efforts from local workers that clearly shows the desire and willingness to do the right thing in our community.

Charlie Webb, President and CEO of Anderson-Webb, echoed Swart’s comments saying “I am totally impressed by the actions of these two gentlemen to save someone’s life. Without hesitation they stepped in and did what was needed. I’m very impressed that they acted so quickly and we’re very proud of them.”

Both Swart and Webb also commended Shell’s efficient response and the availability of an on-site defibrillator as being integral to aiding the life-saving efforts.

More information on the actions is available by visiting Blackburn News at blackburnnews.com.