CPR All the Way Down the Mountain How Sun Peaks Found a New Way to Save Lives
Providing CPR during a mountain rescue is one of the most difficult situations first responders can face. At Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, ski patrollers often need to transport critically ill patients down steep, icy terrain in emergency toboggans—sometimes while CPR is still in progress.
According to a CBC News report, the Sun Peaks Mountain Rescue Society has found a safer and more effective way to handle these emergencies thanks to a newly purchased automated CPR compression device.
CPR in Extreme Terrain
As reported by CBC News, the automated CPR machine straps securely onto a patient’s chest and delivers consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions during transport. The device acts as an “extra set of hands,” allowing responders to focus on safely moving the patient off the mountain. Sue Elder, a paramedic and volunteer ski patroller, explained that transporting a patient while performing CPR has always been a major concern.
“We’ve always struggled with how to get a patient down the mountain while ongoing CPR is happening,” Elder told CBC. “It was either sketchy for the patient or sketchy for the patrollers.”
Why Manual CPR Was Risky
Before the device was introduced, ski patrol had only two options: a patroller riding inside the toboggan attempting chest compressions over rough terrain, or stopping transport repeatedly to perform CPR. Neither option allowed for consistent, high-quality care.
“This third option, although expensive, is something we believe will be well worth the cost,” Elder said. “Now we can safely do CPR all the way down the mountain.”
The Lifeline ARM compression device can cost more than $15,000, but community donations made the purchase possible.
Improving Survival in Remote Rescues
Dean Schiavon, prevention officer with Sun Peaks Fire and Rescue, highlighted the additional challenges posed by the mountain’s terrain and delayed ambulance access.
“Doing CPR manually can really wear responders out,” he said.
Chris Mark, patrol supervisor at the resort northeast of Kamloops, described the device as a lifesaving improvement.
“If a cardiac arrest happens out on the hill, it frees up hands so we can start moving the patient immediately,” Mark said. “It gives us an extra chance of survival we didn’t have before.”
Why CPR Training Still Matters
While advanced equipment can significantly improve outcomes in remote rescues, early CPR by trained bystanders remains one of the most important factors in cardiac arrest survival.
Those interested in learning lifesaving skills like CPR and AED use can explore CPR training courses offered by Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
For full details and original reporting, read the CBC News article here:
👉 CPR all the way down the mountain’: Sun Peaks has new way to save lives
Serving Calgary and the surrounding areas the lowest priced, highest quality OH&S approved first aid training, CPR and food safety courses for over 15 years!
Support locally-owned and Canadian-operated businesses, with no partnerships or links with American corporations.