A memo informing Maple Ridge home support workers of the policy in July had said failure to comply could result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

The policy covered home support workers throughout the region, which stretches from Maple Ridge to Burnaby.

But concerns about the policy - including those reported in Sunday's edition of The News - have prompted the region to take another look at it.

"The development of the policy was guided by appropriate consultation and a concern that our home support workers not feel compelled to initiate CPR or the Heimlich manoeuvre when they do not feel competent to do so safely," Light wrote.

"In these past few days we have broadened our consultation and have been advised by B.C. Risk Management that our liability is not increased if Home Support Workers initiate CPR or the Heimlich manoeuvre if they feel confident and able to do so safely."

She added that certification or training in CPR or the Heimlich manoeuvre is not a requirement for home support workers, but if they feel confident in administering them "we will support them in their choice."

Dr. Marco Terwiel, a Maple Ridge resident and national commissioner for St. John Ambulance, said the region didn't have much choice about reversing the policy.

"The recognized this was not a very smart thing to do," he said. But in his view, the revised policy is "totally redundant. Society's norms are when you see a fellow human being in need, you help to the best of your ability. Period."

Terwiel added that in light of the high salaries pulled in by the health region's officials, "I expected better from them in the first place."