Waterloo teen receives award for saving man’s life
KITCHENER — A Waterloo teenager has been honoured with a St. John Ambulance life-saving award for resuscitating a man who collapsed in front of him.
Dylan Duncan’s heroic efforts were recognized at a packed event including dignitaries Tuesday evening.
“There were so many people who wanted to wish him well and congratulate him for being the person to step up,” said Lane Burman, the man Duncan saved that December day.
“This kind of thing really matters to people.”
Duncan was on his way home from culinary arts training at Humber College, just stepping off the train in Kitchener when he saw Burman collapse on the road. Duncan immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
“There were lots of other people who were there who didn’t get involved,” Burman said. “Dylan did, and that’s to be commended.”
Duncan had been taught the lifesaving skill just weeks earlier at Humber where he was studying thanks to a connection with Christian Horizons. The agency supports adults with disabilities, and it helped develop the program he was attending.
Duncan is grateful Burman is OK, and was overwhelmed by the award and recognition.
“My heart was pounding,” Duncan said. “It was probably the best day of my life.”
He was nominated for the award by Burman’s wife, Jessica Burman Zinger, who wanted to recognize the difference he made in all their lives, including his two young daughters. They get together regularly. “It’s a lifelong bond,” Burman said. He encourages everyone to get CPR and first aid training.
“You never know when you’re going to need it.”