Vernon, B.C. Zamboni driver honoured for lifesaving aid
Global News
"It was intense. The guy on the phone with 911 was trying to give me instructions...and the whole team was standing around me," recalled Zamboni driver Jonny Rockall.
A Vernon, B.C., Zamboni driver, with a background in volunteer firefighting, was in the right place at the right time when he helped save the life of a stranger in February 2020.
Jonny Rockall, the arena attendant and Zamboni driver, jumped into action when recreational hockey player Al Winther went into cardiac arrest at Vernon’s Kal Tire Place arena.
On Friday, BC Emergency Health Services presented Rockall with an award for his lifesaving efforts.
“It is an honour. I’m blessed. I can’t imagine a better outcome: Al making a full recovery, us being friends. He is an awesome guy,” said Rockall.
It all started nearly two years ago, in February 2020, when hockey on the ice came to a sudden halt.
A player had collapsed on the bench and was unconscious.
Rockall says he ran over to find Winther slumped between the bench and the boards and started chest compressions.
“It was intense. The guy on the phone with 911 was trying to give me instructions…and the whole team was standing around me and guys were yelling at me, ‘Do this! Do that!'” recalled Rockall.