Constables Bogdan Volkovinski, Michael Soley, Dale McGrotty and Kendra Chisholm were the first to arrive on-scene. Volkovinski, Soley and McGrotty performed CPR on the child while Chisholm comforted the family.
The officers’ prompt actions allowed the girl to breathe on her own. EMS and Edmonton Fire Rescue provided further medical aid after their arrival and transported her to the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
The girl had been playing on the back of a couch when her neck became entangled in a drawstring for the window blinds. She fell off the couch and the string tightened around her neck. The girl is expected to make a full recovery thanks to the quick response of the officers and other first responders.
“In this job, you have to be ready for it all,” says Superintendent Bart Lawczynski. “Our members take their training seriously. They knew how to act in this circumstance and it’s beyond words what they did for this child.”
Each Award of Merit recipient is given a special challenge coin and certificate.
Constables Volkovinski, Soley and McGrotty received an Award of Merit, which is given to EPS employees who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and a high level of professionalism. They have also been nominated for a St. John’s Ambulance Live-saving Award as a well as a commendation for life saving through the EPS.