Winnipeg Doctor Saves Passenger’s Life Using AED on City Bus
A powerful reminder of why CPR and AED skills matter
An emergency room physician is being praised for his quick thinking — and lifesaving use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) — after saving a fellow passenger on a Winnipeg Transit bus.📰 Read the original CBC article:
Doc on Winnipeg bus saves passenger’s life
A Medical Emergency on Portage Avenue
On February 6, 2013, Dr. Doug Eyolfson was riding a Winnipeg Transit bus along Portage Avenue when another passenger suddenly went into cardiac arrest. The man’s heart stopped beating without warning.
Recognizing the emergency, Dr. Eyolfson instructed the bus driver to call 911 and immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Understanding the urgency of early defibrillation, he asked a friend to run to a nearby hotel and borrow an automated external defibrillator (AED).
These portable devices — now increasingly available in public spaces — automatically detect life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and guide the user through each step. They provide clear voice prompts, explain when to perform CPR, and will only deliver a shock if it is medically necessary.
How the AED Helped Save a Life
Once the AED arrived, Dr. Eyolfson used it to deliver a shock that restored the man’s heart rhythm. The device analyzed the patient, instructed when to stop CPR, and indicated when a shock was required.
Dr. Eyolfson emphasized that AEDs are simple and safe for the public to use:
“It will tell you to do CPR, it will tell you to stop, and tell you if a shock is indicated. It won’t shock if it’s not indicated. You can’t shock someone by mistake.”
He also stressed a critical truth about cardiac arrest survival:
“The sooner you use the device, the greater the chance of survival.”
This real-life event — as reported by CBC — demonstrates how essential AED access and trained bystanders are in emergencies.
Why CPR and AED Training Saves Lives
Cardiac arrest can occur anywhere: on public transit, at home, at work, or in a community setting. When seconds matter, quick, confident action dramatically improves survival.
With proper training, anyone can:
Recognize cardiac arrest
Perform high-quality CPR
Use an AED safely and effectively
Provide lifesaving help while waiting for emergency responders
If this story inspires you to learn these skills, consider taking a certified training course. Calgary First Aid offers hands-on CPR and AED courses designed to build confidence and Prepare you for real emergencies.
Be Prepared — Your Training Could Save a Life
Stories like this remind us that emergencies can happen anytime — often when we least expect them. Having the knowledge to act quickly could make you the hero of someone’s most critical moment.
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