Bus driver honoured for helping unconscious woman has been
named TRANSECURE Employee of the Year - 2007  

OC Transpo bus operator Raymond Richer received the 2007 TRANSECURE Employee of the Year award at the 18^th annual TRANSECURE awards ceremony on June 19.

When told about a young woman in need in the elevator at the Orléans Park & Ride lot, Raymond went to find her. She was found lying face down, not breathing and without a pulse. He immediately called Control, requested an ambulance and prepared to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
    

However, the woman started to breath and move so he turned her on her side and covered her with his coat to keep her warm while waiting for Emergency Services to arrive. Paramedics, Ottawa Police, and Transit Special Constables responded and assisted at the scene. The young woman was then transported to the Montfort Hospital where she received the care she needed.

Raymond Richer is just one of 16 Transit Services employees who were honoured at the ceremony. These individuals stand out for going above and beyond the call of duty by being vigilant, looking out for the safety of the community, or for using OC Transpo buses to provide a safe haven to persons in distress.

Since the program’s inception in October 1989, OC Transpo employees have logged 8,313 TRANSECURE calls, including 469 in 2007.