May 10, 2017
Left to right: Heather Pastulovic [one of the other nurses on the plane that Erin rescued], Priya Chetty, Nurse Manager Health Centers and Nursing Stations, Leona Smith, Professional Practice Leader of Nursing, Erin Wiltse, nurse practice consultant, Becky Palmer, Chief Nursing Officer, Marlene Hoover, Director of Nursing. On Saturday, March 18, 2017, Erin Wiltse, Nurse Practice Consultant for the Professional Practice and Education nursing team was honoured with a silver medal for bravery from the Life Saving Society of BC/Yukon for her heroic lifesaving efforts in the float plane crash in Kitkatla on May 24, 2016. The ceremony was at the Hotel Vancouver Fairmont. Erin played an integral part in ensuring that all six passengers were removed from the upside down, submerged float plane.
Erin has remained humble about the role she played in rescuing her fellow passengers including two nurses and two community members. This was Erin’s first day on the job as a Practice Consultant. Even after such a shocking way to start the new job, Erin persevered and came back to work at the beginning of July 2016. Erin continues to be a strong and caring member of the nursing team. The nursing management team and all of Erin's nursing colleagues hold their hands up to her.
In honour of Nursing Week 2017, we've launched a video interview with Erin! Erin is committed to delivering the best care possible to patients living in remote communities. She likes the challenge of meeting patients’ health care needs, especially when the usual resources aren’t available. And Erin truly enjoys the connections she forms with patients. Watch this video and find out more about Erin’s commitment to being a nurse here!
