Calgary Father Charged After Tragic Overdose Death of 16-Month-Old Daughter
A tragic case in Calgary continues to highlight the vital importance of proper emergency response and CPR training. Court proceedings revealed that a father accused in his daughter’s overdose death attempted to revive her using makeshift methods, underscoring the dangers of incorrect resuscitation attempts during a crisis.
For full details, you can read the original CBC report here:
Overdose baby’s father tried CPR for 5 hours
A Desperate Effort Without Proper Tools
According to testimony presented in court, 16-month-old Summer Hope died in April 2006 after ingesting a lethal amount of methadone. Police believe her father, Jonathan Hope, smuggled the drug home from a treatment clinic where he was receiving support for addiction.
When paramedics arrived at the family’s southwest Calgary home, Hope told responders he had been performing CPR on his daughter for five hours. A paramedic also noted a dismantled lamp at the scene. Hope admitted he had attempted to “restart” the baby’s heart using two exposed wires from the lamp, believing it might serve as a defibrillator.
He also stated that he did not call 911 because, according to him, the phone in the home was not working.
Criminal Charges and Court Testimony
Hope and the child’s mother, Lisa Guerin, were both charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death, and failing to provide the necessities of life.
Crown prosecutor Ken McCaffrey explained the charges, stating:
“Our allegation against Mr. Hope is that he allowed the situation to develop where this child ingested methadone and she passed away, and then he didn’t take proper steps afterward.”
The Crown also alleges that Summer’s mother is guilty by omission because she knew what happened but left the house instead of seeking help.
During the hearing, Hope’s bail was revoked after he appeared in court showing signs of intoxication.
The Importance of Proper CPR Training
This heartbreaking case serves as a powerful reminder that in emergencies, knowing how to respond correctly can make the difference between life and death. While Hope tried to revive his daughter, the methods he used were not only ineffective but dangerous.
Proper CPR training teaches individuals:
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How to recognize an emergency quickly
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When and how to call 911
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How to safely deliver effective chest compressions
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The correct use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
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How to avoid causing additional harm using unsafe, improvised methods
To learn these life-saving skills from certified instructors in your community, consider enrolling in a local CPR course:
👉 Calgary CPR & AED Training: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Learn the Right Skills — Be Prepared to Help
Enrolling in a certified CPR or first aid course is one of the most valuable steps you can take to be prepared for emergencies. With proper training, you can act confidently, safely, and effectively when it matters most.
Additional Resources
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