EMMET COUNTY, MI— Michigan State Police are recognizing a sergeant from the St. Ignace Post who helped save the life of a skier in Emmet County earlier this month.
While cross-country skiing at Nub’s Nob on January 3, Sgt. Dennis Wagner noticed a male skier had collapsed on the trail. A ski patroller had already begun administering care.
Wagner assisted by rolling the man over, positioning his head uphill, clearing his airway, and starting chest compressions. The Nub’s Nob ski patrol arrived with an AED, which was used on the man. Wagner then assisted the patrol in transferring the man into a toboggan for transport down the trail. When Emmet County EMS took over care, the subject had regained a pulse and was breathing.
The man was transported to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, where he received further emergency treatment. Medical staff later confirmed that early CPR and the use of the AED were critical in saving his life.
The skier, accomplished American cyclist Kevin Livingston, is expected to make a full recovery.
Sergeant Wagner has been an MSP first aid instructor for many years and helps fellow department members keep their lifesaving skills sharp through regular training. The MSP thanks Sergeant Wagner, the bystanders who stopped to help, Nub’s Nob Ski Patrol, Emmet County EMS, and McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital staff for their teamwork, quick response, and excellent care.
MSP officials say Sergeant Wagner’s actions demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of MSP members who are always ready to help others, on or off duty.
