U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents lived up to their core value of vigilance and exemplified heroism when they helped resuscitate a Canadian man found unresponsive in a public park on Sept. 4.
Suspecting a heart attack, the officers quickly assessed the needs of the victim and began rounds of CPR. Seattle CBP officers administered life-saving aid while another member of the team contacted U.S. Border Patrol dispatch for backup.
Before long, additional officers arrived from the Peace Arch Port of Entry. They took over the resuscitation efforts, using a portable AED to restart the patient’s heart while holding back the gathering crowds.
“This is a great example of how our CBP employees don’t just work within the confines of a Port of Entry, but within the community when needed,” Area Port Director Kenneth L. Williams later commented.
The defibrillator successfully revived the Canadian man, who was then stabilized by EMS teams from Whatcom County Fire Department and Surrey, British Columbia. He was then transported to a hospital across the border, in Canada.
“These officers and agriculture specialists are trained to respond to traumatic events,” Williams said, “and they demonstrated bravery, dedication, and teamwork by saving this man’s life.”
Director of Field Operations Seattle Brian Humphrey echoed Williams’s sentiments, adding, “The CBP employees in the Seattle Field Office exemplify CBP’s core values of vigilance, service to county, and integrity, not just in this instance, but on a daily basis.
“Their quick response and dedication are something I am extremely proud of, and they continue to exceed my expectations every day.”
