Calgary First Aid: Alberta Police Watchdog Probes Death of Man Found Unresponsive in Edmonton Holding Cell
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the death of a young man who was found unresponsive in a police holding cell in Edmonton, raising important concerns about detainee safety and emergency medical response while in custody.
According to Edmonton police, the man was discovered during a routine cell check at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Friday. A paramedic on duty, along with other staff members, immediately began providing first aid until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived. EMS continued life-saving efforts and transported the man to hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m. Details of the incident were first reported by Global News, whose full coverage can be read
Alberta police watchdog probing death of man found unresponsive in Edmonton holding cel
Police have not disclosed which facility the holding cell was located in.
Events Leading Up to the Arrest
Police stated that the events leading to the man’s detention began the day before. At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, officers responded to a disturbance at a residence near 45 Street and 22 Avenue in Edmonton.
A 23-year-old man—who did not live at the home but was known to the residents—was reported to be intoxicated and behaving aggressively. Officers removed him from the residence but did not lay charges at that time.
Later that afternoon, around 4:25 p.m., police were called back to the same home. Residents reported that the man had returned and entered the house without permission. Officers then took him into custody for allegedly uttering threats and unlawfully being inside the home. Police did not confirm whether charges were laid or pending.
Detention and Medical Emergency
In an update released on December 5, ASIRT confirmed that the man was taken into custody at approximately 6 p.m. and transported to the Edmonton Police Services (EPS) Detainee Management Unit, where he was placed in one or more holding cells.
During a routine check the following morning, staff found the man in medical distress. Immediate first aid was provided by on-site personnel until EMS arrived.
An autopsy was completed on December 4, but ASIRT stated that the cause of death remains undetermined. Toxicology results are still pending. Investigators noted that the man had no observable traumatic injuries, aside from minor bruising believed to be consistent with medical intervention.
The man’s identity has not been released.
ASIRT Investigation Continues
ASIRT is an independent civilian agency responsible for investigating incidents involving Alberta law enforcement that result in serious injury or death. The investigation will focus on police actions, the conditions of detention, and whether any conduct contributed to the man’s death or meets the legal threshold for wrongdoing.
Why First Aid and CPR Training Matters
This incident highlights the critical importance of recognizing medical distress early and providing immediate first aid. Whether in police custody, public spaces, or private settings, prompt action can save lives while emergency services are on the way.
Learning CPR and first aid equips individuals to respond confidently in high-pressure situations. Calgary First Aid offers comprehensive training through its Standard First Aid and CPR courses, which teach life-saving skills for real-world emergencies.
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