Lightning Tragedies Highlight the Life-Saving Importance of CPR and First Aid Training
Lightning strikes are rare, unpredictable, and often devastating — and two recent tragedies in Canada and Texas show just how quickly lives can change. These heartbreaking incidents also reinforce a powerful message: immediate CPR and first aid can make the difference between life and death.
A Saskatchewan Family Forever Changed
Ken Dakin was at his cabin on Jackfish Lake in west-central Saskatchewan when a lightning strike hit his wife and 29-year-old son, Blaine. The storm had passed, and the family — along with others helping at the cabin — had stepped outside again to continue their work.
Blaine was cutting wood when a loud bang and bright flash hit the yard. Ken, a retired Mountie, saw the lightning strike land exactly where his son had been standing.Rushing to the scene, Ken and others immediately began CPR on both Blaine and his mother Terry.
Their fast response brought Terry back — she survived and was transported to hospital with burns to her neck and body. Tragically, despite immediate efforts, Blaine did not survive.
This painful moment underscores a critical truth:
When cardiac arrest occurs, every second matters. CPR dramatically increases survival rates.
Texas Lightning Strike: A Mother’s Prayer for Healing
A second heartbreaking case comes from Valley Mills, Texas, where another family was devastated by a sudden lightning strike. The full original news report can be found here:
👉 Texas woman prays for healing after lightning kills son, leaves grandson in coma
Thirty-four-year-old Matthew Boggs, a father deeply devoted to his two sons, was walking them up their driveway after school. Moments after telling his youngest son, Grayson, “I love you, buddy,” a lightning bolt struck them.
Matthew died instantly. Six-year-old Grayson was left unresponsive, fighting through seizures and extensive internal injuries. His older brother, Elijah, witnessed the strike and was the first to reach them. Neighbors quickly joined, performing CPR on both Matthew and Grayson until emergency responders arrived.
Grayson remains in critical condition on a ventilator, and the family continues to pray for a miracle as they lean heavily on their faith and community.
A Growing Trend of Lightning Fatalities
Matthew’s death was the third lightning fatality in the U.S. this year and the first in Texas. Over the past decade, Texas has recorded 19 lightning-related deaths, second only to Florida.
What These Stories Teach Us
Both tragedies offer powerful lessons in safety and preparedness.
1. CPR Saves Lives
In both Saskatchewan and Texas, CPR was started immediately. It revived one mother and gave a young child a fighting chance. When a heart stops after trauma or electrocution, CPR keeps oxygen flowing until help arrives.
➡️ Want to learn CPR? Visit our CPR & AED training page:
https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
2. Lightning Safety Is Essential
If thunder is close enough to hear, lightning is close enough to strike. Waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going back outside is a key safety rule.
3. Everyday People Are the First Responders
In both emergencies, it was family members and neighbors — not paramedics — who delivered the first critical minutes of care. This is why learning CPR and first aid is so important for every household.
Why You Should Learn CPR and First Aid
Emergencies happen without warning.
A CPR or first aid course gives you the confidence and skill to:
Recognize life-threatening emergencies
Perform high-quality chest compressions
Assist in cases of cardiac arrest, shock, burns, choking, and trauma
Potentially save a life — even someone you love
These skills matter because you may be the first person able to help.
Learn How to Help
If these stories have moved you, consider taking the next step:
Enroll in a CPR or First Aid course in Calgary.
It could save a life one day.
Helpful resources to begin learning:
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