Crane operator rescued after medical emergency in downtown Calgary

A crane operator had to be rescued by fire crews in downtown Calgary following a medical emergency on Nov. 20, 2025.

By News Staff

Posted Nov 20, 2025 5:45 pm.

Last Updated Nov 20, 2025 5:47 pm.

Calgary firefighters rescued a crane operator who suffered a medical emergency at a downtown construction site Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the 200 block of 8 Avenue SE. Fire crews arrived to find the operator unable to descend from a 50-metre, 16-storey high tower crane.

A firefighter climbed the crane to assess the patient while others prepared specialized equipment. The team determined the operator needed help and set up a rope system anchored at the crane’s top.

The operator was secured in a harness and lowered safely to the ground with the help of a rescuer. Paramedics transferred the patient to an ambulance.

Fire crews later dismantled the rope system and brought the equipment back down.

Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Trump claims in social media post Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, President Donald Trump said, calling it the “greatest...

DEVELOPING

1h ago

Oil prices set for swings next week as US-Israel strikes raise supply uncertainty

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Oil markets currently closed for the weekend are set to see price swings next week as the impact from the U.S. and Israeli strikes on oil supplies from the Middle East remains...

4h ago

Calgary youth dies of injuries from avalanche at Nakiska ski hill

A 15-year-old Calgary skier who was buried in an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Resort Friday afternoon has died, RCMP said.

3h ago

'D-Day for Iranians': Some Iranian Canadians welcome U.S. attack of Iran

Some Iranian Canadians are expressing their support for foreign intervention in Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on the Middle Eastern country, sending missiles into Iran overnight. Iranian...

8h ago

Top Stories

Trump claims in social media post Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, President Donald Trump said, calling it the “greatest...

DEVELOPING

1h ago

Oil prices set for swings next week as US-Israel strikes raise supply uncertainty

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Oil markets currently closed for the weekend are set to see price swings next week as the impact from the U.S. and Israeli strikes on oil supplies from the Middle East remains...

4h ago

Calgary youth dies of injuries from avalanche at Nakiska ski hill

A 15-year-old Calgary skier who was buried in an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Resort Friday afternoon has died, RCMP said.

3h ago

'D-Day for Iranians': Some Iranian Canadians welcome U.S. attack of Iran

Some Iranian Canadians are expressing their support for foreign intervention in Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on the Middle Eastern country, sending missiles into Iran overnight. Iranian...

8h ago

Most Watched Today

4:46
U.S. and Israel attack Iran

The United States and Israel launched an attack Saturday on Iran, with the first apparent strike happening near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

2h ago

1:11
Avalanche at Nakiska ski hill sends youth to hospital in critical condition

A youth skier was rushed to hospital in life‑threatening condition Friday after an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Resort. Jillian Code has the details.

19h ago

2:27
Calgary city council sound off on provincial education property tax increase

The largest property tax hike in Calgary’s history. That is what Mayor Jeromy Farkas is calling the hike in the provincial education property tax. Edward Djan has more.

23h ago

0:31
Youth sent to hospital in critical condition following avalanche at Nakiska ski hill

A youth skier was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition Friday after an avalanche at Nakiska ski hill.

February 27, 2026 5:49 pm MST MST

2:01
City of Calgary introduces another round of building incentives for homeowners

Another round of incentives for Calgary homeowners have building contractors salivating. Phoenix Phillips reports.

February 27, 2026 4:50 pm MST MST

More Videos