Quick thinking saves a life and leads to a Rescuer Award

Submitted by Laurie Young, Canadian Red Cross communications volunteer in Alberta

The quick thinking and heroism Jared Nieboer displayed on a crisp Saturday morning in October was recently recognized by the Canadian Red Cross.  The Alberta man was presented with a Red Cross Rescuer Award last month for the actions he took to save a man from a car accident.

On what he thought was an ordinary day, Jared came across the smoke and flames of a head-on collision while driving to a nearby town to referee a volleyball game. Through the chaos, he heard a young man cry for help.  Recognizing that an explosion was likely to occur soon, Jared knew he didn’t have long to act.  He quickly ran over to the car to assist the man.
 
“I just grabbed him and kept pulling,” he recalls. "You just keep going (until) you're both safe.”
 
Seconds after he pulled the man to safety, the vehicle exploded.
 
After this traumatic incident, Jared somehow managed to continue on his journey to referee the volleyball game.
 
He said, "It was tough for one to two days to get it out of your brain.  Refereeing allowed me to escape from my own thoughts."
 
Since the accident, Jared has been in contact with the man he saved, learning he is on the road to recovery.
 
Jared says he is honoured to be recognized for his actions that day.

 
"Would I do it again? Absolutely! I am very humbled. You don't do these things for an award."

 
Maybe not, but Jared’s quick actions certainly made a difference in the life of one lucky man, and Red Cross is pleased to recognize and encourage such actions.
 
The Canadian Red Cross Rescuer Award, sponsored by Walmart, acknowledges the efforts of non-professional rescuers and off-duty first responders who go out of their way to save a life, prevent further injury and/or provide comfort to the injured.
 
You can nominate yourself or someone else by completing the online Red Cross Rescuer Award form or sending an email to feedback@redcross.ca.

Take the time to learn some valuable injury prevention skills through a Red Cross First Aid and Water Safety training course near you.  You might be the next somebody who makes a difference.