A mail carrier felt pressured on following instructions to help an unconscious woman with white powder on her.
According to a City of Winnipeg spokesperson, the 911 operator was following standard emergency protocols by instructing the mail carrier to perform CPR on an unconscious woman.
Timely instructions
Corey Gallagher was delivering mail to a south end apartment building when he found a woman lying in the lobby. He called 911 and was put through an emergency services worker who instructed him to give her CPR.
Gallagher said he was uncomfortable in touching the woman after finding white powder on her shirt, fearing that it might be fentanyl. He was instructed to perform CPR even after telling the operating that he was concerned that the woman might have overdosed and the white powder.
Michelle Finley who was with the office of the chief administrative officer for the City of Winnipeg stated that the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service reviewed the recording and determined that the operator handled it properly.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a training course on first aid and CPR for more information, check out these sources:
Mayo Clinic – First Aid: Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Care
Wikipedia – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Overview and Information
Healthline – CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Techniques and Guidance