Nurse’s quick action earns recognition

Capt(N) Sam Sader, Base Commander, and Matt Waterman, Navy League of Canada President, present Deborah Walker with a National Presidents’ Appreciation Award during a ceremony at the Wardroom, Aug. 23. Photo by Peter Mallett, Lookout

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

A nurse from the base hospital has been recognized by the Navy League of Canada for her quick thinking in providing emergency medical assistance to a Canadian Armed Forces member.

Deborah Walker, a Primary Care nurse with Canadian Forces Health Services Pacific’s Integrated Health Team 3, was recognized for her off-duty medical support at this year’s annual general meeting of the Navy League of Canada in Ottawa in April.

A woman that required assistance was taking part in the awards ceremony at the Bytown Mess when she fell to the ground. Walker immediately emerged from the crowd to assist.

In an Aug. 23 meeting of the Navy League of Canada at Esquimalt’s Wardroom, Walker was recognized for her efforts with a National Presidents’ Appreciation Award. Base Commander, Captain (Navy) Sam Sader, and Navy League of Canada President Matt Waterman presented the award. Capt(N) Sader described Walker’s efforts as a “tremendous example of the selflessness and dedication” of employees at the base who truly live up to the motto of CFB Esquimalt ‘Portare per Omnia’ or ‘Support for All.’

“We could not fulfill this, our mission, without individuals such as Deborah Walker who, in ordinary situations, rise to become extraordinary individuals,” said Capt(N) Sader.

Walker was attending the April meeting with her husband Dave Yates, who is a member and past President of the Navy League. Walker didn’t realize the individual had fainted until her husband pointed it out.   

“Dave and I were watching the presentations and I couldn’t see very well from our seats because I am short,” said Walker. “My husband said somebody just fell down, so I immediately stepped up and assisted her.”

Following the ceremony Walker said she was “surprised and humbled” to be recognized with an award and noted that assisting the victim would have been a natural reaction of anyone with first aid training.

The gathering at the Wardroom meeting viewed her actions in a different light, giving Walker a thunderous round of applause following the presentation.

In their praise of Walker, Capt(N) Sader also presented her with an Outstanding Achievement coin, while Waterman presented her with a National President’s Coin.

The Navy League of Canada was established in 1895 to promote an interest in maritime affairs and lobby the Canadian government for its own independent Naval Service. Today, the non-profit has representatives in over 260 communities across the country and provides support to youth organizations such as the Navy League Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Navy Cadets with scholarships and bursaries. For more information about the Navy League of Canada visit their website: https://navyleague.ca