Bravery honoured
Civilian responders to fiery scene, doctor who saved woman from choking recognized
Meagan Leonard
Northern News Services
Saturday, June 6, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The four men first on the scene of a fatal transport truck collision two years ago were honoured for their bravery by the St. John Ambulance Wednesday night.
A major truck collision killed two drivers 50 km north of Fort Providence, near Chan Lake in February 2013. One person survived the crash and was airlifted to Stanton Territorial Hospital after four men arrived on scene and assisted. Donald Tourangeau, Ryan Hampsen, Richard Hannah and Alden Vogt received awards for bravery from St. John Ambulance June 3. - photo courtesy Alden Vogt
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In early February 2013 Fort Smith residents Donald Tourangeau and Alden Vogt as well as Ryan Hampsen from Starbuck, Man., and Richard Hannah from Australia were travelling down Highway 3 to Fort Smith when smoke and flames appeared on the horizon.
Two transport trucks were blocking road access with one completely engulfed in flames. The men would later discover one of the vehicles was carrying fuel, making for a lethal combination. Both drivers of the trucks had died on impact, but the men were able to successfully rescue a passenger from one of the trucks using a piece of plywood they fashioned into a stretcher to carry him to safety.
Because the accident occurred outside cell phone coverage, Vogt and Tourangeau had to manually clear a path through the explosives scattering the highway in order to drive south for help while Hampsen and Hannah stayed with the injured passenger who suffered a broken leg, arm and abdominal injuries. Eventually a GNWT highway truck was flagged down which was able to call for assistance.
"Qualities of heroism have always commanded admiration and respect," said St. John Ambulance chair of awards and honours Kevin Rowe during the ceremony. "Those who risk their lives to save or protect others defy the instinct for self preservation and exhibit an inspiring spirit of generosity."
Doctor honoured for choking incident reaction
Doctor Gary Goebel from Spruce Grove, Alta. was also recognized with a life saving award after he assisted a choking woman in 2010.
At the time of the incident, Goebel and his colleagues were having dinner at the Top Knight restaurant when they heard a woman coughing and gasping at a nearby table.
A staff member of the pub was alerted of the situation and attempted to dislodge the food item by patting the woman on the back and using the Heimlich manoeuver. When she was unsuccessful, a bartender stepped in to assist. When he was also unable to help, Goebel successfully performed the Heimlich manoeuver to clear her windpipe, saving her life.
The award recipients could not be reached by press time.
