Carver Saves Young Girl from Drowning in Arviat, Nunavut — CPR Skills Make the Difference
What began as a normal day of selling carvings turned into a life-or-death rescue for an Arviat man — and a powerful reminder of why CPR training matters.
A Routine Day Turns Urgent
Thomas Nibgoarsi was walking door to door in the community of Arviat, Nunavut — home to about 2,300 people — hoping to sell some of his artwork. During his rounds, he noticed a young girl waving her arms and calling for help. At first, he assumed it wasn’t serious and kept walking.
Moments later, another young girl ran up to him and shouted that her friend had fallen through the ice and was drowning. Realizing the urgency, Nibgoarsi immediately rushed toward the water.
(You can read the full original CBC News article here:
👉 Carver saves young girl from drowning in Arviat, Nunavut
A Brave Solo Rescue
When he reached the area, he saw a hat and pieces of clothing floating near a hole in the ice. Without hesitation, he reached into the freezing water and managed to pull the girl out — completely on his own, with no one nearby to help.
“I was worried because there was nobody around,” he said. “But I was taught how to do CPR. As soon as I remembered that, I CPR’d the young girl. Then I looked towards the sky and said a prayer… I am thankful.”
CPR Saves Lives — Anywhere, Anytime
Alone on the ice, Nibgoarsi relied solely on the CPR training he had learned. His quick action kept the girl alive until help arrived. She was later transported to Winnipeg, where she is now recovering.
Nibgoarsi sold two carvings that day — and chose to keep one as a personal reminder of the life he helped save.
Learn CPR. Save a Life.
This story shows how everyday skills can turn an ordinary person into a hero. Emergencies can happen anywhere — whether you’re at home, in the community, or out on the land.
To learn these essential skills, consider taking a CPR and AED course through Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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