Several officers were recognized for their life-saving efforts. More than 30 Albertans were honored for their bravery in a ceremony at Edmonton police headquarters. Among them were Pidwerbeski and Tyler Mann, both Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers.
The boys were paddling in the Poplar Point area which is a popular lakeside area on the eastern edge of Lac La Biche when they were swept away by a strong storm. As the winds picked up, the family members back onshore lost sight of the canoe and called the police.
Both boys were wearing life jackets but the water was freezing and as the minutes passed, the weather conditions were getting dangerous. When Pidwerbeski and Mann arrived onshore to help with the search, the water was churning. The men set out in their boat and headed to the middle of the lake where the conditions were most severe and began scanning the water. When they finally spotted the 13-year old boy, he was waving and crying out for help.
The men returned to the water to find the second boy. When the boy was spotted, Mann drove the boat toward the child, but a strong wave pushed the boy further away. Once they got hold of the boy, Mann quickly started CPR. They rushed the child back to shore, but he could not be revived.
Why first aid training is important?
Enrolling in first aid and CPR course is a good investment. The skills and knowledge you will learn are invaluable during accidents involve minor injuries or emergencies where a life is on the line.
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Learn how to help those in need by enrolling in a CPR course and for more information, check out these sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-hypothermia/basics/art-20056624