The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is currently investigating the circumstances that led to a man being discovered in a vulnerable state near the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital. PAPS responded to a disturbance report in the 2300 block of 10th Avenue West at approximately 10:50 p.m. CST on Thursday. Upon arrival, officers found an intoxicated individual lying in the snow. They promptly assessed his condition and ensured he received necessary medical attention.
According to a media release from the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS), information suggests that the male had been removed from the premises before the authorities arrived. Additionally, PAPS is looking into a social media video related to the incident.
A video circulating on Facebook depicts three security guards pushing a man in a wheelchair towards the hospital parking lot, with the man audibly distressed. Another video shows the man lying in the snow outside the Victoria Square Compounding Pharmacy business complex, located in close proximity to the hospital.
Responding to the incident reports, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) confirmed that an individual causing a disturbance in the emergency room was escorted out of the building on the evening of December 11. SHA stated that they are reviewing the situation with their security provider to ensure adherence to proper protocols, maintaining a safe environment for both staff and patients, while also providing support to individuals in need of external services beyond the hospital setting.
GardaWorld, the security company responsible for providing guards at the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, acknowledged the December 11 incident involving their staff members. They mentioned that they are currently investigating further details and refrained from commenting any further at this stage.
As reported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the temperature on Thursday night was recorded at -23.5°C, with the wind chill factor making it feel like -34°C.