100 Mile House RCMP is encouraging people, who live alone and have significant health issues, to make sure they have a plan to ensure their safety in case of emergency.
The warning was made by RCMP Cpl. Clint Lange – acting 100 Mile House detachment commander – following an incident on Christmas Day.
On Dec. 25, a 103 Mile House man went to check on his friend he had not heard from in several days. The 79-year-old man was located inside of his home, but was in medical distress.
The friend immediately called 9-1-1 and 100 Mile House Fire-Rescue and B.C. Ambulance Service crews attended the scene. The man, who was bruised, cut, hypothermic and barely conscious, was rushed to 100 Mile District General Hospital.
Lange says it was later estimated by the attending physician the local senior had likely been lying in distress on the floor for more than 30 hours.
Followup police investigation revealed the injured man was diabetic and suffering from significant medical complications. Scene evidence indicated he had trouble keeping his balance and had bumped into things, Lange explains.
The senior was able to communicate with police at the hospital indicating he had taken a bad fall and he could not get up. He was treated at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
"As a reminder for those who have significant and/or serious health-related issues, it is prudent to ensure you have a plan in place to ensure your safety," Lange advises.
“There are emergency services available where people can obtain a panic button for immediate medical dispatch. Please see your doctor for a referral.
“It is also a good idea to have relatives or friends conduct periodic well-being checks either by telephone or in person.”