When Kathleen Sider took her dog out for a walk as usual in Corman Park’s BizHub industrial park the morning of February 11, 2020; she was shocked to find a man slumped over the wheel in the cab of a pickup truck, with blood on the ground beside the vehicle.
Sider immediately called 911. In a matter of minutes, Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) Constable Kyle Rathgeber arrived on scene. With Sider’s help, Rathgeber applied first aid to the unconscious man, who had multiple self-inflicted lacerations on his arms and had lost approximately 80% of his blood.
The man was taken to hospital by paramedics and survived.
In recognition of their actions to save the man’s life, Sider and Rathgeber were presented with awards by Corman Park Police Chief Warren Gherasim during a Corman Park Council meeting Monday, September 21.
Gherasim had high praise for both individuals.
“Had primary intervention not been made by Ms. Sider and Constable Rathgeber, the man very likely would have succumbed to his injuries,” said Gherasim.
Gherasim noted that Rathgeber had previously served as a paramedic prior to joining the police service.
“Constable Rathgeber’s background as a paramedic certainly made a huge contribution to the positive outcome of this incident,” said Gherasim.
Sider was modest about her role, saying she was honoured by the recognition, but added that she hoped anyone in the same situation would have responded the same way.
She also had high praise for Rathgeber.
“The police officer that attended was very professional,” she said. “I was very impressed with the way he responded and how he was quick to give clear, concise directions.”
Rathgeber said he was honoured, but noted he was just doing his job. He said the support of Corman Park Council for the expansion and strengthening of the municipal police service helps officers respond quickly to emergencies.
“This RM is the biggest one in the province,” said Rathgeber. “We’re hard at work keeping the people of the RM safe, and we appreciate what you folks around the council table are doing to allow us to do that.”
Corman Park Reeve Judy Harwood said ratepayers are proud of the police service, and incidents like the February 11 lifesaving intervention illustrate why it is needed in the community.