On a warm July day earlier this year, Irene, a personal support worker (PSW) at VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), was on her way to visit her client, Mary Anne, when she came across an emergency situation.

“I was on my way to see my client and was waiting for the elevator door to open,” recalls Irene. “When it did, I saw an elderly woman unconscious on the floor and a gentleman standing next to her in shock.” It was later learned that the woman was having an epileptic seizure.

Thankfully, Irene was well prepared for this situation. In addition to her expertise as a PSW in home care, she has a decade of intensive care experience as a nurse in the Middle East. Her reflexes quickly kicked in, repositioning the woman to prevent choking and the blocking of airways, while instructing the gentleman with them to call 911 and press the emergency call button in the elevator.

A security guard for the building showed up shortly after and recognized the woman as the neighbour of Irene’s client. She instructed him to go to the unit and inform her husband of what had happened, while she stayed with her and waited for the ambulance.

“She was disoriented and was having trouble speaking. At first, I thought she might be having a stroke,” says Irene. “While we waited, she slowly started to speak again, and I kept her engaged to the best of her ability.”

Despite the situation, Irene never stopped thinking about her own clients. She still balanced the emergency with calling her supervisors to inform them of her whereabouts and that she had not been able to connect with Mary Anne.

“Irene should be honoured. If it wasn’t for her, the situation could have been much worse,” acknowledged Mary Anne.

Thankfully, Mary Anne’s neighbour made a full recovery after the incident. The rapid response by Irene played an important role in ensuring she received the care she needed as quickly as possible.

She’s grateful she was in the right place at the right time to help someone in need. Her care, and compassion during an unexpected emergency reflect the incredible person she is, and we’re proud to have her as a member of our team at VHA Home HealthCare to deliver skilled community care.