By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter) with files from Lara Fominoff (@LaraFominoff on Twitter)

Four local police officers recognized for saving resident’s life in February

Apr 1, 2018 | 12:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The presence of mind by four local police officers helped save the life of a man on the west side in February, and this past Wednesday they received the Chief’s Commendations for their efforts.

The story of the officer’s efforts was heard during the Lethbridge Police Commission regular meeting.

While on patrol, Sgt. Travis Evenson says Const. Josh Kurtz found an unconscious driver slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle on Feb. 20, with police originally believing the man was impaired.

Evenson added they knew they were dealing with an overdose instead when they approached the car and found a Naloxone kit, as well as drug paraphernalia, inside.

“We could tell that he tried to inject himself, to self-administer the Naloxone, but because of the speed of the drug he wasn’t able to administer it to himself,” Evenson said.

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Before EMS arrived, Constable James Steacy, David Easter and Evenson administered CPR and more Naloxone to the man.

Evenson says, unfortunately, they’ve come to know quite well how to react in a scenario like this.

“It’s become a daily occurrence for us, as well as the paramedics who are coming across it constantly,” Evenson stated.

Evenson said that between finding the man, pulling him out onto the street, and working on him until EMS did arrive took around three or four minutes in total.

“The part I played in this was very minor. So, to be singled out with the other officers is awesome.”

This incident was another example of the overdose issues plaguing Lethbridge, and many other cities across Canada.

“During a four-day span, officers can see anywhere from five to 10 overdoses. It’s very common for us at this point in time, Evenson admitted.