B.C. Husband and Wife Honoured for Saving Each Other’s Lives with CPR

Quick thinking, calm guidance from emergency dispatchers, and the life-saving power of CPR helped a British Columbia couple save each other’s lives—four years apart. Barrie and Diana Stephen were honoured with Vital Link Awards for their extraordinary actions, highlighting how critical bystander CPR can be during cardiac emergencies.

In 2015, Diana Stephen faced every spouse’s worst nightmare when her husband, Barrie, suffered sudden cardiac arrest at their Terrace, B.C. home. Without hesitation, she called 911 and dropped to her knees beside him in the kitchen.

Although her CPR training dated back more than 50 years to her time in Girl Guides, Diana followed the dispatcher’s step-by-step instructions and began chest compressions.

“It was the 911 operator who talked me through it,” Diana recalled.
“It was very emotional… quite scary. But he’s with me now.”

Paramedics arrived shortly after and transported Barrie for emergency care. His survival was made possible because CPR was started immediately—before advanced medical help arrived.

A Life Saved—Then Returned

What makes this story even more remarkable is that Barrie had already saved Diana’s life years earlier.

In August 2011, Barrie woke in the middle of the night to find Diana struggling to breathe. Acting quickly, he pulled her to the floor, administered CPR, and called 911 after stimulating her breathing. Drawing on his Canadian military training, Barrie kept her alive until paramedics arrived.

Diana was rushed to hospital, later transferred to Vancouver for surgery, and ultimately recovered.

“He saved my life, and I had to pay him back by saving his,” Diana said.

Why CPR Training Matters

Stories like Barrie and Diana’s show why CPR training is so important. During cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by about 10%. Early CPR keeps oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until paramedics arrive.

If you want to read the full details of this inspiring story, it was originally reported by Abby News and can be found here:
👉 B.C. husband and wife honoured for saving each other’s lives

Learning CPR gives everyday people the confidence to act in emergencies at home, at work, or in public places. If you want to be prepared to help in a similar situation, consider enrolling in CPR and AED training through Winnipeg First Aid

Recognized for Extraordinary Action

The Stephens received their Vital Link Awards during a small ceremony at the Terrace ambulance station in December 2017. While the framed awards now hang in their home, Diana says the recognition is secondary.

“We’ve got each other, and that’s all we care about,” she said.

Their story is a powerful reminder that quick action and CPR knowledge save lives.

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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