Rescues: Two near-drownings avoided in Glacier, one man saved by 10 minutes of CPR

The first incident occurred on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, a popular rafting route that forms the southern boundary of Glacier.

"On Monday, August 10th, we were dispatched to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, west of Essex, for the rescue of a near drowning victim," Two Bear posted online. "The victim had come out of the raft and was initially submerged. His raft mates were able to locate him and get him to shore. He was not breathing and had no pulse so they started CPR. They were also able to summon help with a satellite communication device. After about 10 minutes of CPR the victim had a return of spontaneous circulation."

The American Red Cross recommends 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute. There should be two hands centered on the chest, and the compressions should be at least two inches deep. The chest should return to the normal position after each compression, and CPR should be continued until medical help arrives.

Two Bear Air said they located the group at the coordinates provided and deployed the rescue specialist from the helicopter.

"After initial stabilization, the victim was hoisted into our helicopter and flown to definitive care," the post concluded. "This case illustrates how having training and being prepared on the water can make the difference between life and death. Early citizen CPR really can make a difference!"

Three days later, the helicopter was alerted to another water accident. 

"On Thursday, August 13th, we were dispatched to Glacier National Park for the rescue of a man who had suffered a significant fall from an overlook into McDonald Creek," Two Bear Air posted. "The victim had reportedly gone over a set of waterfalls. A bystander observed him face down in the water and after making his way to him turned him over, pulled him to a shallow section and started CPR. After a short course of CPR the victim had a return of spontaneous circulation."

Two Bear Air located the victim in the middle of the creek in the care of Glacier National Park rangers. 

"We inserted our rescue specialist and after initial stabilization, the victim was hoisted into our helicopter and flown to the waiting ALERT helicopter for further stabilization and transport to the hospital," the post said. "This is our second river call in the last few days with return of spontaneous circulation after citizen CPR. We commend the quick action of the bystander whose actions saved the victims life. We wish the victim a full and speedy recovery."

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in Glacier, often switching top spots with natural causes like heart attacks.