Marty Whiteman says team effort of Doug Hume, Bryan Coles, Jeff Crowley, Steve Arstad, and Mark Silbernagel saved the life of 72 year old Osoyoos hockey player Harold Cox who is recovering in Kelowna Hospital awaiting heart surgery.

The incident at the Oliver Arena January 17th.

Whiteman: “So glad to hear that Harold is recovering. I must say that the response to Harold’s collapse was a total team effort. Everyone was very concerned and assisted even if it was simply creating space around Harold and offering verbal encouragement to him. It all happened so fast and is kind of a blur to me but as you requested, and as best I can remember there were a few guys that took leadership roles in trying to assist him.

Bryan Coles and Jeff Crowley I think were the first to recognize that Harold was in serious difficulty and called someone to call 911. Jeff also was quick to try and support Harold’s head and get him into a comfortable and treatable position. I went to the rink attendants’ room where the attendant, Mark Silbernagel met me at the door and gave me the defibrillator (I believe it was he who called 911).

Doug Hume began administering CPR. Bryan Coles and I opened the Defibrillator and followed the instructions. Harold was not breathing at this point and we could not get a pulse.

Steve Arstad attempted to give Harold mouth to mouth but it seemed like it was to no avail. I think it was Bryan that placed the “pads” on his chest and I pushed the “shock” button. Harold responded. He started breathing again, but started to choke. We rolled him on his side removed his teeth and this seem to clear his air passage. We rolled him onto his back again. Jeff continued to support his head and make him comfortable.

Shortly after (about 15-20 min. after Harold collapsed) the Paramedics arrived and took charge.
It really was a group effort. Please say hello to him from us all and keep us informed of his progress.”