The civilian-led body investigates after a Salt Spring RCMP officer performed CPR. The officer performed CPR on an unresponsive man and he was later declared dead. During emergencies, the prompt delivery of CPR can help save a life.
The Independent Investigations Office is investigating after Abbotsford police officers performed CPR to an unconscious man who did not survive the ordeal.
Unforeseen demise
The Abbotsford Police Department responded to a call regarding a fight at a business establishment in the 32900 blocks of South Fraser Way. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers found an unconscious 54-year old man on the ground outside the store. The officers started CPR when they did not detect a pulse. When the firefighters and ambulance personnel arrived, they took over to assist the man. He was transported to a healthcare facility but declared dead at around 9:16 PM.
Related case
This is the second case in 2 weeks the IIO was called in after an officer administered CPR. The Salt Spring RCMP were called to a fight on Richard Flack Road.
The officers found an unresponsive 36-year old man. There were two other men who were performing CPR. The RCMP officer continued performing CPR until the arrival of the emergency health services but the man could not be resuscitated and declared dead in a healthcare facility. In both cases, the IIO is investigating if there is any link between the actions of the police and the deaths.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a CPR course and for more information, check out these sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/cpr
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr-treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600