-----Original Message----- From: RCMP Alberta Media Relations [mailto:media.relations.rcmp.alberta@rcmp-grc.gc.ca] Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 1:20 PM To: RCMP Alberta Media Relations Subject: RCMP Red Deer - Male Saved From Freezing by RCMP and LacombePolice.

2009 DEC 14

Blackfalds, Alberta

Male Saved From Freezing by RCMP and Lacombe Police

At approximately 3:45 AM, on December 11th, 2009, RCMP received a cell phone call from a 29 year old male individual, from Edmonton, Alberta, who had hitched a ride on a train and found himself in danger of freezing to death.

The man, who was intoxicated, had climbed aboard a slow moving train in Wetaskiwin, Alberta at approximately 3:00 AM on December 11th, 2009, intending to climb off again in a few blocks when closer to his destination. Instead of slowing, the train increased its speed and the man was unable to get off. The train continued south from Wetaskiwin and the man realized that he was fast becoming hypothermic and in danger of going unconscious. He managed to call both the RCMP as well as another individual who also called the RCMP.

Numerous calls were made to both CP and CN rail in an effort to identify which train the male was on, which was eventually narrowed down to two possible trains. Two different ambulance dispatches were put on standby with one being sent when the RCMP was able to confirm which of the stopped trains the subject was on. Three different RCMP detachments, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka and Red Deer Rural were also advised and updated.

When the two trains were eventually stopped, one near Blackfalds and the other near Ponoka, it was by sounding the train whistle and listening for it through the man's cell phone that the correct train was identified. A Red Deer Rural Detachment RCMP Member and a Lacombe Police Department member started at the beginning of the train and walked back approximately 40 railcars, well into the back of the train, through deep snow drifts, searching to locate the male who at this point could not even call out for help to assist in his own discovery. When he was found it was necessary to move the train up to where the EMS were situated as the victim could not be moved through the deep snow drifts.

The male was unable to move when he was eventually located and was so far into hypothermia that he was essentially unconscious. EMS ascertained that his core temp was at 32 deg C. At that point the internal organs start to shut down and damage to the cells starts to occur. The body does not shiver anymore and muscular coordination is gone.

Of note this male was not in a railcar but stuck between two cars, exposed to the wind and 24 below temperatures for the duration of the ride from Wetaskiwin to near Red Deer.

If not for the cell phone calls from the victim, as well as the coordinated efforts of the rail companies, EMS, RCMP dispatch operators and members from several RCMP Detachments as well as Lacombe PD, it is quite possible that this victim may have frozen to death in such a situation.

The RCMP wish to remind anyone who travels while the weather is very cold that they have to be extremely careful in being fully prepared to be in very low temperatures for extended period s of time. This includes people who travel on foot, by car or, as in this instance, by hitching an illegal ride on a train.

Climbing on board a train is both illegal and very dangerous in all weather conditions, with individuals being seriously injured or killed in past incidents.

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Contact: Sgt Patrick WEBB RCMP Media Relations Southern Alberta District (403) 869-7267

Please be advised that this account is not monitored for inquiries or follow-up questions. Enquiries or questions should be directed to the designated media contact as indicated at the bottom of each news Release.

Submitted on 12/15/2009

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: RCMP media release Alberta CANADA

Copyright © 2009 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
Exposure and antics like train hopping are quite common, but when I got to the part about where this dolt was located I decided it was worthy of an award. Even if I was drunk I wouldn't consider hitching a ride on a train in between two of the cars! Trying to jump from that location while the train is moving is just begging for a DA. Thanks!

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
I agree with Bruce! Dum-de-dum-DUMB!

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