Vancouver Police Seek Woman Who Gave First Aid After Fatal Nightclub Stabbing
Vancouver Police are appealing to the public for help identifying a woman who provided first aid to a stabbing victim outside a nightclub in the early morning hours of November 1, 2016. The woman left before investigators arrived, and police believe she may have key information about the incident.
What Led to the Incident
Shortly after 2 a.m., two groups of men got into an altercation near the taxi stand at the Plaza of Nations. The dispute escalated into a physical fight, leaving three men in their 20s with stab wounds.
-
Hansen Jia Chen, a 25-year-old Burnaby resident, died from his injuries.
-
A 23-year-old man was treated in hospital.
-
A third man later arrived at Burnaby General Hospital and was transferred to Royal Columbian Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
You can read the full original news report here:
🔗 Police looking for witness that gave first-aid to stabbing victim at Vancouver nightclub
Search for the Good Samaritan
Before police or paramedics arrived, witnesses say an unidentified woman stepped in to help Chen. She reportedly identified herself as a BCIT nursing practicum student and administered first aid at the scene.
Police emphasize that she is a witness, not a suspect, and they are appealing to her — or anyone who knows her — to come forward. Investigators are also asking for any cell phone footage taken near the Plaza of Nations between 9 p.m. on Oct. 31 and 2 a.m. on Nov. 1.
This incident highlights how quickly emergencies can unfold — and how essential trained bystanders can be. Even basic first aid skills can help stabilize a person until emergency crews arrive.
First Aid and CPR training teaches you how to:
-
Control severe bleeding
-
Perform CPR and use an AED
-
Recognize and respond to life-threatening conditions
-
Support someone safely until professionals take over
If you want to be prepared to help in emergencies, a well-rounded program like Standard First Aid is an excellent place to start.
👉 Learn more here: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/standard-first-aid-courses/
Learn More & Be Prepared
Additional helpful first aid resources:
Serving Calgary and the surrounding areas the lowest priced, highest quality OH&S approved first aid training, CPR and food safety courses for over 15 years!
Support locally-owned and Canadian-operated businesses, with no partnerships or links with American corporations.