Sergeant Dennis Wagner

HARBOR SPRIGS — In a press release, Michigan State Police at the St. Ignace Post said the post is proud to recognize Sergeant Dennis Wagner for helping save a life while off duty at Nub’s Nob Ski Resort in Emmet County.

According to the release, while cross-country skiing on Jan. 3, Wagner noticed a skier had collapsed on the trail. He quickly went to help and assisted Nub’s Nob cross-country ski patroller Steve Biggs, who had already begun administering care. Several other skiers had also stopped and helped as needed.

Sergeant Wagner assisted by rolling the subject over, positioning his head uphill, opening the airway, and initiating chest compressions. Life-saving efforts continued, and Nub’s Nob Ski Patrol arrived a short time later with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), oxygen, a snowmobile, and a toboggan.

The AED was deployed and advised two shocks, which were administered while CPR continued. Oxygen was delivered using a bag-valve mask. Sergeant Wagner assisted ski patrol in safely transferring the subject into the toboggan for transport down the trail. Upon safe arrival at the ski patrol room, Emmet County EMS took over care. The subject had regained a pulse and was breathing. He was transported to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, in Petoskey, 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.

MSP has received confirmation that the skier, identified as Kevin Livingston, is now awake, doing well, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Wagner has been a MSP first aid instructor for many years and helps fellow department members keep their lifesaving skills sharp through regular training. In the release, MSP thanked 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. “Sergeant Wagner’s actions demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of MSP members who are always ready to help others, on or off duty,” the release states.