A 35-year-old woman from Indianapolis is recovering after a near-drowning incident on Sugar Creek in Parke County, Indiana. The incident occurred on Saturday in a remote area of the creek, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forest, nearly a mile from the nearest roadway.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Bobbie Barker was canoeing with her boyfriend when their canoe struck a log, causing her to fall into the water. Witness Cole Riggleman quickly swam into the creek and pulled Barker to shore after she had been submerged for about one minute.

Once on shore, Barker was unresponsive and had no pulse. Dr. James Malenkos, a licensed physician who witnessed the incident, organized a group of bystanders and directed CPR efforts. After approximately 12 minutes of continuous CPR, Barker regained a pulse and became responsive within 30 minutes.

Due to the remote location, a Bloomingdale EMT and another bystander, Casey Bault, transported Barker by canoe nearly two miles downstream to the nearest access point, where an ambulance was waiting. She was then airlifted to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for further treatment.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources noted that Barker was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident, highlighting the importance of safety measures when engaging in water activities.

Several agencies assisted in the rescue effort, including the Bloomingdale Fire Department, Marshall Fire Department, Parke County Sheriff’s Department, Parke County EMS, and IU Lifeline Helicopter Services.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.