TRANSECURE Outstanding Call of the Month
Please join Transit, Police, Fire, and Ottawa Paramedics in congratulating and thanking our TRANSECURE Employees of the Month for their quick response and concern for others.
January 2024
Transit Supervisor: Jean
On January 30, while Transit Supervisor Jean was stationed at Rideau Centre, he noticed a crowd forming around an unresponsive individual on the ground. Reacting quickly, Jean retrieved his defibrillator and rushed to the individual.
Jean applied the defibrillator pads and began administering CPR until Ottawa Paramedics arrived. The paramedics stabilized the individual and safely transported them to the hospital.
A special thanks to Supervisor Jean for your prompt actions in this critical moment. Your quick response played a vital role in saving a life that day.
December 2023
Operator: Mehmet
On the cold night of December 13, Operator Mehmet was pulling into Millenium Station and noticed a customer on the platform who seemed to be in medical distress. He safely pulled his bus over and immediately called the Transit Operations Control Centre for assistance. Operator Mehmet waited outside with the customer until Ottawa Paramedics arrived to help the customer. Upon arrival, paramedics transported the customer to the hospital for urgent care.
Thanks to Operator Mehmet, for being observant, attentive and calm in this situation, enabling the customer to receive the necessary medical attention.
November 2023
Operator: Ryan
On the morning of November 12, Operator Ryan was serving route 57 when he noticed a woman lying on the ground at a bus stop on Richmond Road. Ryan safely pulled the bus over to assess the woman's condition, then contacted the Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC). The TOCC contacted the Ottawa Paramedic Services and Ryan remained by the injured woman's side until their arrival. Upon the paramedics' arrival, the woman was transported to hospital for treatment.
Thanks to Ryan's compassion and quick decision-making, the woman was able to receive treatment at the hospital.
October 2023
Operator: Louis
On October 3, Operator Louis was operating his train when an elderly customer approached him, expressing confusion about her whereabouts and showing signs of dementia. To ensure the passenger's safety, Louis promptly contacted the Transit Operations Control Centre, seeking assistance to guide the passenger to a nearby station close to their home.
Upon reaching the station, Louis waited for the passenger to disembark safely and to be met by police officers.
Thanks to Louis' outstanding compassion and proactive approach, the Ottawa Police Service successfully ensured the passenger's safe return to their home.
September 2023
Para Operator: Marc
On the morning of September 7, Para Transpo Operator Marc was picking up an elderly passenger from their home. He noticed the passenger was having difficulty walking to the bus. Without hesitation, Marc provided assistance by ensuring a secure and comfortable transfer to the bus.
Once they arrived at their destination, Marc went the extra mile by borrowing a wheelchair to effortlessly transport the passenger to their scheduled appointment.
Thanks to Marc's outstanding compassion and proactive approach, the passenger was able to attend their appointment with minimal discomfort or inconvenience.
August 2023
Operator: Kirk
On the evening of August 18, Bus Operator Kirk was navigating his route when he heard a passenger calling for help. A young passenger was choking on a piece of candy. Operator Kirk safely pulled his bus over and immediately alerted the Transit Operations Control Centre for assistance. The child’s parent was unable clear their airway, so Operator Kirk, with swift and precise action, performed the Heimlich Manoeuvre. Thanks to Operator Kirk’s remarkable courage and quick thinking, the candy was successfully dislodged from the child's airway, and they were able to breathe normally again.
July 2023
Operator: Andrew
On July 25, Bus Operator Andrew was arriving at Hurdman Station when he observed a person resisting arrest by a Special Constable. Responding rapidly, Operator Andrew parked his bus safely in front of the scene to prevent the suspect from escaping until other agents could arrive. The Special Constable Unit was able to apprehend the suspect who was later charged by the Ottawa Police.
Thank you, Operator Andrew, for being alert, attentive and calm, and for acting quickly to help control the situation.
Operator: Joanne
On the morning of July 9, Bus Operator Joanne was driving her route when a distressed customer waved her down for help. Operator Joanne safely pulled over and opened the bus doors to provide shelter. She called the Special Constable Unit for assistance and upon their arrival, they helped the customer.
Thank you, Operator Joanne, for being alert, attentive and calm in this situation and for taking quick action to ensure the safety of our customers.
June 2023
Operator: Shawn
On the afternoon of June 20, Bus Operator Shawn was pulling into Billings Bridge Station and noticed a young customer on the station platform in medical distress. He safely pulled his bus over and called the Transit Operations Control Centre for assistance. Operator Shawn waited with the customer for the Ottawa Paramedics Services to arrive.
Paramedics safely transported the customer to CHEO for urgent care.
Thanks to Operator Shawn, for being observant, attentive and calm in this situation, enabling the customer to receive the necessary medical attention.
May 2023
Operator: Eric
On May 25, Bus Operator Eric pulled into Lincoln Fields Station and noticed a customer on the bus platform in medical distress. He safely pulled over his bus and called the Transit Operations Control Centre for assistance. Operator Eric waited with the customer for the Ottawa Paramedic Service to arrive. It was identified that the customer was suffering chest pains.
Paramedics safely transported the customer to the hospital for urgent care.
Thanks to operator Eric for being observant, attentive and calm in this situation, enabling the customer to receive the necessary medical attention.
April 2023
Operator: Rosalyn
On the morning of April 13, Operator Rosalyn was doing her route 48 trip, towards Billings Bridge Station when she heard an argument between two passengers on her bus. Operator Rosalyn was also told that one of them was carrying a weapon. Operator Rosalyn remained calm and quickly called the Transit Operations Control Centre for advice and assistance. The Special Constable Unit arrived on scene at Billings Bridge a few minutes later and arrested the two passengers for uttering threats and for assaulting another passenger.
Thank you, Operator Rosalyn, for being alert, attentive and calm in this situation and for taking quick action to ensure the safety of your passengers.
March 2023
Operator: Hassan
On the evening of March 18, as Bus Operator Hassan pulled into Hurdman Station, he noticed a customer on the bus platform in medical distress. He safely pulled over his bus and called the Transit Operations Control Centre for assistance. Operator Hassan got out of his bus and identified that the man needed CPR. As he started performing CPR, the Transit Operations Control Centre dispatched the Special Constable Unit and called the Ottawa Paramedic Service. It was identified that the passenger was in cardiac arrest. Paramedics safely transported the passenger to the hospital for urgent care.
Thank you, Operator Hassan. Your quick response and thinking helped save this person’s life.
February 2023
Para Operator: Alan
On February 16, Para Transpo Operator Alan noticed a passenger on his Para Bus was experiencing difficulties breathing. Operator Alan safely pulled over his bus and could see that the passenger was not feeling well. He called for assistance and stayed with the passenger until Paramedics arrived. It was identified that the passenger was in cardiac arrest. Paramedics safely transported the passenger to the hospital for urgent care.
Thank you, Operator Alan, for your quick response, thinking and care in this situation, which saved this person’s life.
January 2023
Operator: Barry
On January 27, Operator Barry was in the Seyton Drive and Richmond Road area when a customer with vision loss mistakenly boarded his bus. After noticing that the customer appeared lost, Operator Barry asked them where they were going, then safely secured the bus and disembarked with the customer. Together, they walked to the customer’s correct bus stop so that they could catch their next bus on time.
Thank you, Barry, for your care and kindness, and for taking the time to help a customer in need.
Operator: Jessica
On the evening of January 15, a young female customer boarded Jessica’s bus wearing no jacket, shoes or socks. After speaking with the young girl, Operator Jessica quickly discovered she had run away from home. Jessica promptly advised the Transit Operations Control Centre who dispatched the Special Constable Unit (SCU) and contacted the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). Jessica provided shelter for the young girl until OPS arrived. Both SCU and OPS had received reports of this missing girl.
Thank you, Jessica, for being vigilant, observant and caring, and for assisting this customer in distress.
December 2022
Operator: Nowf
On December 12, Operator Nowf was driving along his route when he noticed a man on the side of St. Patrick’s bridge who appeared to want to harm himself. Operator Nowf safely secured his bus, immediately called 9-1-1, and went to the man and stayed with him until Emergency Services arrived. Ottawa Police arrived shortly after and were able to assist the man.
Thank you, Operator Nowf, for your compassion, care and action in this dire situation.
November 2022
Station Service Attendant: Elizabeth
On November 11, Station Service Attendant Elizabeth was stationed along Rideau Street to assist passengers. Elizabeth was flagged down by some bystanders who were assisting a man who overdosed down the street. She promptly went to check on the man and recognized he was not breathing. Bystanders advised they administered Narcan, so Elizabeth provided additional doses of Narcan, which the bystanders administered. Elizabeth called 9-1-1 and started doing chest compressions. While waiting for Emergency Services to arrive, Elizabeth requested a defibrillator device from a colleague to use on the man while bystanders put ice cubes around his neck and face. As paramedics, Transit Special Constables and other emergency services arrived on the scene, the man regained his heartbeat, began breathing on his own and regained consciousness.
Thank you, Station Service Attendant Elizabeth, for your quick thinking and action, which saved a person’s life in this dire situation.
October 2022
Supervisor: Lorie
On October 19, Supervisor Lorie was traveling on Highway 417 in an OC Transpo vehicle when she noticed a woman parked on the side of the highway who was trying to wave down someone for assistance. Supervisor Lorie stopped to see if the woman needed anything and was told there was a child in the car who was having trouble breathing. Upon initial examination, Supervisor Lorie could see the child had a high temperature and was likely having a seizure. At this time, a firefighter travelling on their way home stopped to provide additional assistance and Supervisor Lorie called 9-1-1. Police and paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after and brought the child to CHEO. It was later confirmed the child was in fact having seizures because of a high temperature. After receiving necessary medication, the child was safely sent home.
Thank you, Supervisor Lorie, for your attentiveness, quick action and care, which helped ensure the health and safety of a young member of our community.
September 2022
Operator: Chris
On the morning of September 13, Operator Chris was doing his run when he noticed a motorist on the side of the road with their hazards on. Operator Chris stopped to assist the motorist, who quickly alerted him about a child who ran in front of their car with no shoes or socks on. The motorist had stopped the child to keep them safe and asked Operator Chris to call for help. Operator Chris called 9-1-1 and the Special Constable Unit (SCU) to report the lost child. While waiting for Ottawa Police and the SCU to arrive on the scene, Operator Chris brought the child on his bus and stayed with the child until Ottawa Police and SCU arrived. The child was then safely reunited with their family.
Thank you, Operator Chris, for your quick action and care that ensured the safety of a young, vulnerable member of our community.
August 2022
Operators: Ludwik and Gursharan
On August 11, Operator Ludwik was operating on his route when he saw a man lying on the side of the road near Vincent Massey Park. After safely securing his bus, Operator Ludwik contacted the Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC) and went to assist the man, who he quickly noticed had suffered a serious stab wound. Operator Gursharan, who was also operating a bus at the time and noticed the man, put in an additional call to the TOCC and stopped to assist. Operator Ludwik asked Operator Gursharan to grab the first aid kit from the bus. The operators applied a bandage compression and then wrapped the man in a shock blanket. Both operators stayed with the man until emergency services arrived on the scene.
Thank you, Operator Ludwik and Operator Gursharan, for your attention, care, and action in this dire situation.
July 2022
Operator: Todd
On the afternoon of July 19, Operator Todd was making a stop on Montreal Road when he noticed an unconscious man lying on the ground inside the bus shelter. Operator Todd called the Transit Operations Control Centre to report the situation and, after safely securing his bus, went to assess the man’s condition. Operator Todd was able to quickly recognize that the man was experiencing an opioid overdose based on training and certification he had received. Operator Todd administered a dose of Narcan and stayed on the scene to monitor the man until paramedics could arrive.
As paramedics, Ottawa Fire Services and an OC Transpo Supervisor arrived on the scene, the man began showing signs of consciousness. At this point, paramedics and Fire Services took over the situation, thanked Todd, and were able to determine that the dose of Narcan had saved the man’s life.
Thank you, Operator Todd, for your attention, quick thinking and action in this dire situation.
June 2022
Operator: Thomas
On June 17, Operator Thomas was in the middle of his shift when he noticed a woman on the side of the road not moving. After safely securing his bus, Thomas went to check on the woman. As he approached, he realized that she was unconscious. Operator Thomas immediately contacted the Transit Operations Control Centre to request assistance. His supervisor arrived quickly on the scene and waited with the woman until Paramedics arrived. Thanks to Thomas’s attention and intervention, the woman was able to receive the medical attention she needed.
Thank you, Operator Thomas, for your vigilance and quick action in this situation, which ensured the overall safety of a woman in distress.
May 2022
Operator: Shah
Late in the evening of May 25, a twelve-year-old boy boarded Operator Shah’s bus alone. Shah noticed the boy was crying so he asked where he was going. The young passenger explained that he had nowhere to go and was planning to sleep on the streets around the Rideau Centre. The boy disclosed that he was fleeing from an abusive household. Operator Shah called the Transit Operations Control Centre to report the situation, and they contacted Ottawa Police Services to request their support. Shah offered the boy some food and remained with him until authorities arrived to ensure he was supported.
Thank you, Operator Shah, for your compassion, care, and attentiveness in this situation, which ensured the physical and emotional wellbeing of a boy in crisis.
April 2022
Operator: Steve
On the afternoon of April 21, Operator Steve noticed a three-year-old child on the side of the road, alone and in the rain. Understanding the immediate concern for the health and safety of the child, Operator Steve stopped and provided the child shelter on the bus. Steve promptly contacted the Transit Operations Control Centre to report the incident and remained with the child until police arrived.
Thank you, Operator Steve! Due to your decisive action and commitment to safety, the young child was safely returned to their parents.
March 2022
Operator: Marc
On March 2, a young girl was being physically assaulted by numerous attackers just outside of Tunney’s Pasture Station. Operator Marc noticed the attack and acted promptly to protect the girl by providing her shelter on his bus. Operator Marc then called 9-1-1 and the Transit Operations Control Centre to report the incident. Marc’s swift action and intervention prevented the girl from being injured further.
Thank you, Operator Marc, for your care and commitment to safety in our community and keeping this girl safe!
February 2022
Operator: Antonio
On the cold evening of February 3, a woman in a motorized wheelchair became stuck in a snowbank as she was making her way home. Operator Antonio noticed the woman and, after safely securing her bus, went to assist her. After helping her out of the snowbank, Antonio offered to drive her home, which the woman gladly accepted. The temperature that evening was –11 degrees and consistently dropping; if the woman had been outdoors longer, it could have presented a danger to her wellbeing.
Thank you, Operator Antonio, for recognizing a citizen in need and acting quickly to ensure her safety.
January 2022
Operator: Jozef
On the morning of January 14, a man had a seizure at an OC Transpo bus station platform. Operator Jozef noticed the man in distress and quickly took action by calling 9-1-1 and reporting the incident to the Special Constable Unit. Operator Jozef stayed with the man to prevent any harm or injury until Paramedic Services arrived. When paramedics got to the scene, they determined that the man had not been injured as a result of his seizure and Transit Special Constables provided the man transportation home.
Thank you, Operator Jozef, for your quick action and assistance that ensured the safety of a customer!
Operator: Jan
On the morning of January 27, an elderly man was walking and trying to make his way to Montfort Hospital but found himself stuck outside in the freezing cold. During his layover, Operator Jan noticed the man outside, appearing fragile, and immediately stopped to assist him. Upon learning he needed to go to Montfort Hospital, Jan invited him to board his bus, where he could warm up, and transported him safely to his destination.
Thank you, Operator Jan, for your commitment to safety in our community and ensuring the wellbeing of one of Ottawa’s residents!