Craig McMillan Pickleball Heroics: Kelowna resident Craig McMillan, a retired RCMP officer and first aid instructor, received a commendation letter and challenge coin from BC Emergency Health Services on Thursday, Sept. 11, for saving his friend Colin McCartie’s life during a pickleball tournament nearly two years ago.
Life-Saving Incident on the Court
On Sept. 24, 2023, McMillan had just finished refereeing a pickleball tournament when he noticed his friend Colin McCartie collapsed on the court. McCartie had gone into cardiac arrest. McMillan immediately acted, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 100 feet. After two shocks, McCartie began to recover.
McMillan said, “In all honesty, it was extremely lucky being at the right place at the right time. Colin went down, and it was just instinct that took over.”
McCartie recalled, “It just came on suddenly, and I knew that I was going to pass out…Craig saw that I was down and thought maybe I’d just fallen or something, and he came over and saw that there was no pulse, he went into autopilot mode and started doing CPR.”
Aftermath and Recovery
McCartie said he felt disoriented but aware after being revived. Paramedics told him fewer than 11 per cent of people survive such an episode. The incident was McCartie’s second heart attack; he now has a pacemaker, defibrillator, and heart synchronizer. He said, “Every day is a gift, and I don’t take a single day for granted.”
McMillan’s Experience and Training
McMillan, who first learned first aid at 16 as a lifeguard, emphasized that training prepared him for the moment. He had previously saved another friend under similar circumstances a year earlier. “It was like the same thing happened again, so it was almost like just instinct took over,” said McMillan.
He added, “They say bravery, I really don’t, I think that’s an over-exaggeration. I say I’m lucky and fortunate to have had that training before in the past, and just happy that I could bring my friend back.”
Impact on Friendship and Pickleball
McCartie said he enjoys pickleball differently now, appreciating friends and the community more than competition. McMillan added that the incident strengthened their friendship, and both are grateful for the second chance at life.
News in Brief: Craig McMillan Pickleball Heroics
Craig McMillan, retired RCMP officer, saved friend Colin McCartie during a 2023 pickleball tournament in Kelowna. McMillan used CPR and an AED to revive McCartie, who now has a pacemaker and defibrillator. BC Emergency Health Services recognized McMillan on Sept. 11. The event highlights the importance of first aid training.
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