Several sudden deaths are under investigation after two men in their 30s were found in medical distress in the snow.
Ordeal on the ice
In the first case, a snowboarder was found unresponsive before 12:30 PM near a Nelson, B.C. ski resort. The man was in a tree well when he was found and a passerby quickly attempted to deliver CPR and called for support from ski patrol. The man was transported to a secondary location within the resort where emergency medical responders took over CPR. Despite their efforts, the man was declared dead by the emergency paramedics. The man was from the Central Kootenays and in his 30s.
In the second case which was four hours later, another man in his 30s was found over 300 kilometers away in Fernie. The man who was originally from Quebec was found unresponsive amongst the trees on the Fernie Ski Hill. The man was skiing with someone else but got separated. He was transported off the mountain by ski patrollers to a local hospital by BC Emergency Health Services.
Both deaths which appear to the unconnected are under investigation by BC Coroners Services.
Importance of first aid training
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can save a life. Prompt delivery of life-saving techniques improves the chances of survival during emergencies.
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