Hamilton Officers' Quick First Aid Credited With Saving Life of 8-Year-Old Girl Hit by Train Near Gage Park
An eight-year-old girl is recovering in hospital after being struck by a train near Gage Park—an incident in which two Hamilton police officers were credited by paramedics for taking life-saving action.
Emergency crews were notified around 6:10 p.m. about an injured child at the rail tracks near Lawrence Road and Gage Avenue South, close to the tracks that run between Maplewood Avenue and Cumberland Avenue.
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Hamilton police officers’ first aid credited with saving life of girl hit by train
Rapid Police Response Made the Difference
According to police, two officers were the first to reach the scene, arriving within three to four minutes of the call being dispatched—before EMS could get there. Upon assessing the girl’s severe leg injury, they immediately applied a tourniquet to control major blood loss. Paramedics later confirmed that this quick decision most likely saved her life.
The girl was transported to McMaster Children’s Hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery. While police could not share specific medical details, they described the situation as “very serious.”
How the Incident Happened
Hamilton police say the child had been playing near the tracks with friends—four children were reportedly present at the time. Investigators believe the group may have been attempting to jump onto a slowly moving train. The girl lost her balance, fell onto the tracks, and her leg was run over, resulting in severe trauma.
While incidents like this are rare, the neighborhood’s historic industrial rail lines, which cut directly through the community, pose ongoing concerns. Local councillor Matthew Green noted that although families and schools regularly emphasize track safety, tragedies like this highlight the continued need for vigilance and education.
A Powerful Reminder of Why First Aid Training Matters
This incident underscores the critical importance of first aid knowledge, especially in emergencies involving severe bleeding. Skills such as recognizing life-threatening blood loss, applying firm direct pressure, and knowing when and how to use a tourniquet can drastically improve survival outcomes.
To build these lifesaving skills, community members are encouraged to take certified training. A well-rounded option is the Standard First Aid program, which teaches bleeding control, CPR, AED use, and emergency scene management.
👉 Learn more here: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/standard-first-aid-courses/
Rail Safety in the Community
Coun. Green emphasized that while the neighborhood has a strong culture of awareness around the rail lines, continued community education is essential:
“The primary importance—the priority—is community education around just how serious it is as a safety concern.”
Parents, schools, and caregivers are encouraged to continue reinforcing track safety and the dangers of playing near trains—even those moving slowly.
Take Action: Learn How You Can Help in an Emergency
Emergencies can happen anywhere—on playgrounds, trails, roads, or near busy rail lines. Being prepared with first aid skills truly matters.
Additional first aid resources:
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