Edmonton Man Credits Co-Workers for Saving His Life After Sudden Cardiac Arrest
This story was originally reported by CBC News and can be read here:
👉 Edmonton man credits colleagues at work for saving his life
What happened between Rodriguez collapsing and waking up days later is a powerful example of why AED access and proper first aid training save lives.
A Normal Morning Turned Into a Life-or-Death Emergency
According to Rodriguez, “I was just getting ready for my shift. Next thing I know, I wake up in a hospital three days later.” He had no memory of the hours that followed his collapse.
When Rodriguez hit the floor, co-worker Dale Moan immediately ran to the health and safety office for help. Meanwhile, Nilos Korodimas, Rebekah Butler, and on-site nurse Beth Marsh rushed to Rodriguez’s side. Within seconds, they assessed his condition, confirmed he had no pulse, started CPR, and retrieved the workplace’s automated external defibrillator (AED).
“We called 911, we started CPR, hooked up the defibrillator and delivered a couple of shocks,” Marsh explained.
Their teamwork kept oxygen flowing to Rodriguez’s brain and heart until paramedics arrived less than 10 minutes later.
“I Owe Them My Life”
Rodriguez, 53, says the actions of his colleagues are the only reason he is alive today.
“I owe them my life,” he shared at a workplace ceremony honouring the four responders. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay them for what they did.”
During the ceremony, Marsh received a plaque recognizing her role in the rescue, while all four responders were acknowledged by Emergency Medical Services officials for their quick thinking and effective response.
Training and Preparedness Made the Difference
“It’s easy for an organization to be nonchalant about safety procedures. Lots of them have safety meetings every day and don’t think twice about it. But we encourage all workplaces to not only know their safety procedures, but practise them regularly. That minute can make all the difference between life and death.”
This incident demonstrates how trained staff and accessible AEDs can drastically increase survival rates after cardiac arrest.
Why AEDs Are Essential in the Workplace
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to be simple and intuitive. With clear voice prompts, they guide even untrained bystanders through each step.
AEDs save lives because:
Cardiac arrest can strike without warning, even in otherwise healthy people.
Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces survival by 7–10%.
Immediate access to an AED can double or triple survival rates.
Training builds confidence, helping people act quickly when it matters most.
Rodriguez survived because his colleagues recognized the emergency, acted decisively, and used the skills they had learned.
Be Prepared to Save a Life
If you’d like the confidence and skills to respond in an emergency, consider enrolling in CPR and AED training.
(A practical course covering CPR techniques, AED use, and real-world emergency response.)
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