Newcomer to Regina Helps Save Drowning Man at Buffalo Pound
A newcomer to Regina helped save a life only one month after arriving in Canada, turning a weekend barbecue into an unexpected rescue mission at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.
This incident was first reported by CBC News and you can read the original story here:
Newcomer to Regina rescues man from drowning, attempts to save another – CBC News
From weekend barbecue to rescue mission
On July 28, 2018, pharmacist Mohamed Elzeldin Mohamed, who had recently moved from Egypt to Regina, was enjoying a summer barbecue at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park with friends.
They suddenly heard a woman shouting for help and ran toward the beach. When they reached the shore, they saw two men in the water clearly struggling and in urgent need of help. Without hesitating, Mohamed and his friends went into the lake to assist.
Mohamed later shared that he is not a perfect swimmer, but he did what he could. He believes that every capable person has a responsibility to help when someone’s life is in danger.
Two men in trouble
Mohamed and his friends reached one of the men, who was still moving when they arrived. With the help of another person on a Jet Ski, they were able to bring him back to shore.
The second man, a 35-year-old Regina resident who had been at a family gathering, was more difficult to reach. He had become tangled in a net and could not free his legs. By the time the first man was safely brought to shore, the second man had disappeared below the surface.
When they finally pulled him from the water, he was unresponsive.
Emergency response and the limits of bystander help
The group immediately called 911. Police arrived about 15 minutes later, followed by STARS air ambulance. CPR was started, and advanced care was provided.
Despite everyone’s efforts—from Mohamed and his friends to first responders—the second man could not be saved.
Mohamed later reflected that, as a pharmacist, he understood the importance of having lifesaving equipment like automated external defibrillators (AEDs) readily available. He expressed that public parks, especially busy ones in the summer, should be equipped with emergency responders and lifesaving tools on-site.
What we can learn from this tragedy
This incident is a powerful reminder of several important points:
Emergencies happen quickly. A fun day at the lake can change in seconds.
Bystanders are often the first line of help. Mohamed and his friends stepped in before emergency services could arrive.
Conditions in the water can be dangerous. Hidden hazards like nets, weeds, or sudden drop-offs can trap or overwhelm even confident swimmers.
Equipment and training matter. The chances of survival increase when trained people and proper tools (like AEDs and rescue equipment) are available.
While not every tragedy can be prevented, we can improve outcomes by combining better public safety measures with widespread first aid and CPR training.
Why first aid, CPR, and AED training are essential
In emergencies such as drowning or sudden cardiac arrest, every minute counts. Brain damage can begin within minutes when the heart stops or breathing is impaired. That’s why early action from bystanders is so critical.
With proper training, you can learn how to:
Recognize the signs of drowning and cardiac arrest
Call 911 quickly and clearly
Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) confidently
Work as a team with other bystanders until paramedics arrive
Even basic skills can double or triple a person’s chances of survival in some emergencies.
Take action: learn how to help
You don’t need a medical background to save a life. Ordinary people, just like Mohamed and his friends, are often the ones who make the first and most crucial difference.
If you’re in the Calgary area and want to be better prepared, you can enrol in a well-rounded first aid and CPR course through Calgary First Aid. Standard First Aid courses cover essential skills for emergencies at home, work, and in the community, including CPR and AED.
Training like this can give you the confidence to step forward and help when it matters most.
Learn more about CPR and drowning emergencies
To read more about CPR, AEDs, and drowning emergencies, you can explore:
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