Mail Carrier Urged to Perform CPR on Unresponsive Woman Despite Concerns About White Powder
A Winnipeg mail carrier found himself in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation after discovering an unresponsive woman and being asked to perform CPR despite concerns about a mysterious white powder on her clothing.
This story was originally reported by The Canadian Press and can be found here:
👉Mailman urged to do CPR on unresponsive woman with white powder on shirt
The Incident
According to The Canadian Press, mail carrier Corey Gallagher came across the woman on a Tuesday morning while delivering mail in an apartment lobby. When she didn’t respond, he immediately called 911 and reported that he believed she may have overdosed.
The dispatcher transferred Gallagher to a paramedic, who instructed him to begin CPR after confirming the woman was not breathing. However, Gallagher hesitated. A noticeable white powder was on the woman’s shirt, and he worried it might be fentanyl—a potent opioid associated with accidental exposure risks.
Gallagher recalled telling the paramedic that he didn’t feel comfortable performing CPR because of that concern. Despite his hesitation, the paramedic continued urging him to begin chest compressions. He remained on the phone for about seven minutes until emergency responders arrived and took over care of the woman. Her condition remains unknown, as does the identity of the white powder.
Growing Concerns Around Fentanyl Exposure
Fentanyl fears are becoming increasingly common during overdose-related calls. While medical experts note that life-threatening exposure from brief skin contact is extremely unlikely, uncertainty in the moment can leave bystanders fearful and unsure of what to do.
St. John Ambulance CEO Brent Fowler said that dispatcher decisions can be challenging when details are unclear, but emphasized that rescuer safety must always come first. Concerns about fentanyl, he added, now frequently arise in their first aid classes—much like earlier eras saw widespread fears about HIV or tuberculosis exposure.
There have been documented cases of first responders requiring treatment after coming into contact with fentanyl, including two EMS workers and a sheriff’s deputy in Maryland just last week. A Winnipeg firefighter-paramedic was also treated for opioid exposure during an overdose call in late 2016. Situations like these reinforce why the public remains cautious.
Did Gallagher Do the Right Thing?
Gallagher admits he has questioned his decision.
“Maybe I overreacted. Maybe I’m blowing things out of context,” he said. “Everyone I talked to said I did the right thing.”
He acted quickly by calling 911, gave dispatchers as much information as he could, and prioritized both the woman’s welfare and his own safety. In high-stress emergencies involving suspected drugs, those choices matter.
As Fowler notes, choosing whether to intervene physically—especially when potential hazards are present—is a very personal decision.
What This Means for Bystanders
This incident highlights an important truth: you can’t help others if you become a victim yourself.
Proper training helps you recognize when it is safe to intervene, what precautions to take, and how to respond effectively during overdose situations or medical emergencies.
Learn CPR and Protect Yourself While Helping Others
Understanding CPR, overdose considerations, and responder safety empowers you to act confidently and responsibly.
If you want to build the skills to respond safely during emergencies, consider enrolling in a Standard First Aid & CPR course through Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/standard-first-aid-courses/
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