Fire Chief Says Bystanders Saved Baby’s Life After Fatal Highway Crash Near Tompkins, Saskatchewan
Quick-thinking bystanders are being credited with saving the life of an infant following a tragic head-on collision on Highway 1 near Tompkins, Saskatchewan. According to Gull Lake fire and rescue chief Bentley Gibson, the immediate actions taken by witnesses at the scene made all the difference for baby Winston.
“This is the biggest relief you want to see,” Gibson said. While first responders are trained to manage traumatic incidents, he explained that tragedies involving children are especially difficult. “If the child had died, it would have turned the department and everyone involved completely upside down.”
What Happened
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that officers were initially alerted to a vehicle speeding and driving on the wrong side of the highway. Just minutes later, they received a call about a two-vehicle head-on collision east of Tompkins.
Winston’s mother, 27-year-old Melanie Hughes, and his grandmother, 62-year-old Lorretta Hughes, were seated in the front of their vehicle. Both women were killed in the crash. The driver of the second vehicle, a 66-year-old man from Gull Lake, was also pronounced dead at the scene. Police later confirmed that alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the collision.
The full details of this tragic incident were originally reported by CBC News and can be read here:
👉 Fire chief says bystanders saved baby’s life after fatal head-on crash near Tompkins, Sask.
Immediate Bystander Rescue Saved a Life
When Gibson and the Gull Lake fire crew arrived at the scene alongside the Tompkins fire crew, several bystanders had already stopped to help. At least three semi-truck drivers noticed baby Winston in the back seat and carefully reached through a rear window on the non-damaged side of the vehicle to remove him.
A woman at the scene, who had first aid training, immediately took Winston into her arms. She assessed him, provided appropriate care, and reassured responders that the baby appeared stable.
“The child had settled down and had stopped crying,” Gibson said. “She knew her first aid, and he was in very good hands.”
Seconds Matter in Emergencies
According to Gibson, everything happened within moments. The bystanders acted quickly and confidently, even with the potential risk of fire following such a severe collision.
“They knew what to do,” he said. “You couldn’t ask for any better help.”
Why CPR and First Aid Training Is Essential
This heartbreaking incident is a powerful reminder that emergencies can happen anywhere, and trained bystanders are often the first line of help. When seconds matter—especially when infants or children are involved—knowing how to respond can save lives before emergency crews arrive.
Learning CPR and AED skills gives everyday people the confidence to act in critical situations. If you want to be prepared to help in emergencies like this, consider enrolling in a CPR and AED training course through Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
The actions of these bystanders show how lifesaving first aid knowledge can truly make the difference between tragedy and survival.
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