Calgary First Aid: First Aid Response Highlighted in Trial of Winnipeg Mail Bomber
The trial of accused letter bomber Guido Amsel revealed disturbing details that highlight not only the brutality of the attack—but also the life-saving importance of immediate first aid.
In 2015, Amsel mailed explosive devices to his ex-wife and two Winnipeg law firms. While two of the bombs were safely detonated by authorities, a third exploded inside a law office, seriously injuring lawyer Maria Mitousis. Amsel was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Details of the trial proceedings were reported by CBC News, which closely followed the testimony presented in court
👉 Gruesome details colour start of trial of accused bomber Guido Amsel
Officer First on Scene Describes Devastating Injuries
Constable Paul Barker testified that he was on patrol the morning of July 3, 2015, when he received a report of a “bomb event” at a law office located at 252 River Avenue. Upon arrival, Barker saw the building’s front window had been blown out.
A woman at the entrance was waving frantically for help. Inside, Barker found Maria Mitousis lying on the floor of her office, leaning against the door. She was holding her neck and abdomen, and there was a considerable amount of blood. Barker noted she had suffered a severe throat injury and significant trauma to her hands.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Barker immediately called for an ambulance and ordered everyone out of the building. He asked one coworker to remain with Mitousis while he ran to his cruiser to retrieve his first aid kit.
Calm, Immediate First Aid Made a Difference
While administering first aid, Mitousis told Barker her left hand felt like it was stinging or burning. When Barker gently lifted it to assess the injury, he later described it as looking “like an empty glove”—the skin was still present, but the flesh and bones underneath had been destroyed by the explosion.
Despite the shocking injuries, Barker remained calm to avoid alarming the victim. He applied gauze and direct pressure to control the bleeding and continued to monitor her condition until paramedics arrived minutes later. Barker and a paramedic then assisted Mitousis as she walked to the ambulance for urgent transport to hospital.
As a result of the blast, Mitousis ultimately lost her right hand. Doctors were able to save her left hand after extensive treatment.
Investigation Reveals Targeted Mail Bomb Attacks
Court heard that Amsel deliberately targeted three women—his ex-wife and two lawyers—mailing homemade explosive devices using household chemicals. Police reconstructed a letter included with the bomb sent to Mitousis that read in part:
“Hi Maria, push enter to start. Listen to the conversation and phone me. Will help your defence.”
Investigators also testified that ion scan testing detected traces of TATP, a highly volatile explosive, on packaging found on Mitousis’s desk. Police and RCMP bomb units carefully documented thousands of fragmented items across multiple crime scenes while following strict forensic protocols.
Why First Aid Training Matters in Extreme Emergencies
This case is a powerful reminder that emergencies can happen without warning—and that immediate, well-trained first aid response can save lives, even in extreme situations involving severe trauma and bleeding.
Skills such as bleeding control, shock management, and staying calm under pressure are all taught in comprehensive programs like Standard First Aid training. These are the same skills that helped stabilize Mitousis until paramedics arrived.
If you want to be prepared to help in a serious emergency, consider enrolling in a Standard First Aid course through Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/standard-first-aid-courses/
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!
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