RCMP Dashboard Footage Shows Heroic CPR Effort During Fentanyl Overdose

Dashboard camera footage from an RCMP cruiser captured a powerful and dramatic rescue involving a man overdosing on fentanyl in Athabasca, Alberta—an incident that clearly demonstrates how critical CPR and first aid knowledge can be during life-threatening emergencies.

The incident occurred on September 28 at approximately 9:15 a.m., when an Athabasca RCMP officer was waved down on Highway 55 near 43 Street by two individuals in a black pickup truck. The female driver urgently informed the officer that a 27-year-old man in the back seat was overdosing on fentanyl, a highly potent and potentially fatal synthetic opioid.

Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan, commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP, described the response with one word: heroes.

“Without regard for their own personal safety, they did what they were trained to do without hesitation,” Ryan said.

A Race Against Time

At the time of this incident, RCMP officers had not yet been widely issued naloxone kits. Ryan explained that this rescue occurred during the early stages of opioid awareness training for officers.

Fentanyl can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine, and it works by dangerously slowing a person’s breathing. When breathing becomes inadequate or stops altogether, the brain is rapidly deprived of oxygen—often leading to cardiac arrest.

As the officer began assessing the unresponsive man, a woman in another vehicle pulled over and reported that she had narrowly avoided being struck by the same truck earlier. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation—and knowing it could take at least 20 minutes for an ambulance to arrive—the officer made a critical decision.

Together with the concerned citizen, the officer loaded the unresponsive man into the back of the pickup truck and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while the truck barrelled down the highway toward the nearest hospital.

CPR Performed While Driving to Hospital

Dashboard footage from a second RCMP cruiser shows the intense rescue in progress. The Mountie performed continuous chest compressions, while the Good Samaritan delivered rescue breaths, all while the vehicle remained in motion.

By the time they arrived at the healthcare facility, the man was in full cardiac arrest. Medical staff immediately took over care. According to healthcare professionals, the man would not have survived if CPR had not been started immediately during transport.

Thanks to the rapid action of the officer and the trained response of the concerned citizen, the 27-year-old man made a remarkable recovery.

Those interested in viewing the original news coverage and video footage of this extraordinary rescue can read the full article from the National Post here:
👉 Watch RCMP officer perform CPR on a man overdosing on fentanyl in a truck barrelling down a highway

Why This Story Matters

This real-life incident highlights the importance of CPR and AED training for everyday people, not just first responders. In emergencies involving overdoses, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure, early CPR can double or even triple survival chances.

Learning CPR equips individuals with the confidence and skills needed to act decisively when every second counts.

The Importance of First Aid and CPR Training

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) are proven to save lives. Prompt action during emergencies significantly improves outcomes—whether the emergency involves an overdose, cardiac arrest, or another sudden medical crisis.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder that having the right training can turn ordinary people into lifesavers.

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About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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