They Saved My Son”: Quick Action and CPR Save Teen at Futsal Tournament
A weekend futsal tournament at Sir Robert Borden High School nearly turned tragic when 15-year-old Abdulla El-Astal suddenly collapsed on the bench. What happened next is a powerful reminder of how quickly cardiac emergencies can unfold—and how essential bystander CPR and AED skills are.
📄 Read the original CBC article:
‘I feel blessed’: Boy whose heart stopped recovers in hospital
A Normal Game That Changed in Seconds
Abdulla had been feeling fine that day. Midway through the match, he simply felt tired and stepped off the court.
“I felt like I was tired, so I went to the bench and just collapsed… I just blacked out.” — Abdulla El-Astal
Moments later, he fell forward and lost consciousness. Paramedics later confirmed he had suffered sudden cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition where the heart abruptly stops beating.
A Cardiologist in the Stands
Dr. Angela Seshadri, a pediatric cardiologist, was at the tournament to watch her son play. From the balcony, she immediately sensed that Abdulla’s collapse was more than simple exhaustion.
“He stopped breathing and turned blue… so I lay him on his back and started CPR.”
As CPR began, the coach called 911 while others raced to retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED). Abdulla’s condition was worsening rapidly—no breathing, no pulse, and visible cyanosis.
CPR, an AED, and a Community Response
Bystanders acted quickly and effectively:
Immediate CPR
Rapid AED retrieval and shock
Quick activation of emergency services
According to paramedics, Abdulla regained consciousness en route to the hospital, becoming the fifth Ottawa resident that year to be revived using a public-access AED.
Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson Marc-Antoine Deschamps praised the response:
“People have been very good at using them… I’m very proud that the public stood up to the challenge.”
A Known Heart Condition — But an Unexpected Crisis
Abdulla had been diagnosed the previous year with abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, but he never expected a cardiac arrest while doing what he loved—playing soccer.
Doctors now believe he may require a pacemaker, and he faces the possibility of no longer being able to play competitive soccer.
“Since I started walking, I started kicking a ball… it’s going to be a hard transition.”
He is currently recovering at CHEO, undergoing further tests and evaluation.
A Father’s Gratitude
Abdulla’s parents were unable to attend the tournament that day due to work. Hearing how strangers worked together to save their son left his father deeply emotional.
“They saved my son… I can’t explain my feelings.”
Why This Story Matters
Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere—even young athletes with no warning signs. Survival often depends entirely on how fast bystanders act.
Early CPR and rapid defibrillation dramatically increase survival rates.
This event is a powerful example of how everyday people can save a life simply by being prepared.
Be Prepared. Learn CPR and AED Skills.
Emergencies happen without warning. Whether you’re a coach, parent, teacher, athlete, or community member, CPR training provides the confidence to act when seconds matter most.
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