8-Year-Old North Burnaby Boy Helps Save a Life by Guiding Paramedics to Hidden Location
Heroes come in all sizes—and sometimes the smallest ones make the biggest impact. That was the case for eight-year-old Nathan Rugge, who played a crucial part in saving a man’s life in North Burnaby simply by acting quickly during an emergency.
Nathan still remembers the day he and his father unexpectedly became lifesavers.
You can read the original story here:
Grade 3 student honoured for helping save a life in Burnaby
A Routine Errand Turns Into an Emergency
It was a Saturday in October 2017 when Nathan and his father, Justin, went to Lochdale Community School to retrieve a soccer ball. After getting out of their vehicle, a distressed man approached them asking for help—his friend was in medical trouble behind the school.
The friend was in a hidden area, out of sight from the street and difficult for emergency vehicles to access.
Justin immediately called 911 and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the unconscious man. Meanwhile, Nathan—just 6 years old at the time—made a split-second decision that would ultimately help save a life.
A Child’s Quick Thinking Changes Everything
Nathan ran from the back of the school all the way to the front gate, where he waited for emergency crews. When the paramedics arrived, the boy led them through the school grounds to the hidden location.
“Without Nathan’s help, I don’t think anybody would have found us,” Justin said.
Paramedic Cliff Olson echoed that sentiment:
“Fortunately, Nathan was there. It was a long hike and a bit of a hidden area.”
Thanks to Justin’s CPR and Nathan’s guidance, the man survived.
Recognized for Bravery
In May of the following year, BC Ambulance presented Nathan and his father with the Vital Link Award, honouring people involved in lifesaving cardiac arrest responses.
Nathan is the youngest person ever to receive the award.
BC Ambulance Acting Unit Chief James Lego was amazed by Nathan’s composure:
“It is astounding that at 6 years old he was level-headed and cool enough to follow his dad’s direction and help get us there.”
At Lochdale’s year-end assembly, paramedics returned once more to honour the father-and-son duo. Justin encouraged others to learn CPR, while Nathan shared his advice for anyone who encounters an emergency:
“Help the person as much as they can, even if they don’t know CPR, and don’t walk away.”
Why This Story Matters: CPR Saves Lives
Nathan and his father’s actions highlight key truths:
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CPR and early action save lives
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Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime
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Anyone—even a child—can play a crucial role in saving a life
When the heart stops beating, every second counts. CPR keeps oxygen flowing to the brain and organs until professional help arrives.
Be Ready: Learn First Aid & CPR
Being prepared means having the skills and confidence to act when someone is in distress. Our certified First Aid & CPR courses teach you:
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How to recognize cardiac arrest quickly
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How to perform effective CPR
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How to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
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How to remain calm and direct help in an emergency
Register for our First Aid & CPR Courses in Calgary:
https://firstaidcalgary.ca/
Training Safety Measures
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Reduced class sizes
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Mandatory masks
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Temperature checks
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Enhanced cleaning and disinfection
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Physical distancing of at least 2 metres
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