Lethbridge Man Credits Integrated Response Model After Surviving Sudden Heart Attack
What began as a normal Sunday night hockey game at the ATB Centre turned into a life-or-death emergency for long-time Lethbridge resident Tony Deys. On December 15, after about 20 minutes of recreational play with his teammates, Deys suffered a sudden heart attack in the dressing room.
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Lethbridge resident Tony Deys credits integrated response model after surviving heart attack
A Terrifying Moment Inside the Dressing Room
Deys explained that everything “went blank,” leaving him with no memory of his collapse. His friends quickly noticed something was wrong—one even suggested calling 911, but Deys insisted he was fine.
Moments later, he stopped responding. When a friend stepped out of the shower, he found Deys collapsed on the floor. He immediately phoned 911 and began CPR—an action that played a crucial role in keeping Deys alive until help arrived.
Rapid Help Through Lethbridge’s Integrated Response Model
Within about two minutes, the City of Lethbridge’s Integrated Response Model dispatched both paramedics and firefighters to the ATB Centre. Deys believes this system is one of the key reasons he survived the cardiac event.
“I was lucky,” he said. “My friends knew what was going on, and STARS had already been diverted to the hospital. They were waiting for me instead of me having to wait.”
What Is the Integrated Service Model?
Lethbridge has used this coordinated emergency response approach since 1912. When a high-priority medical call is received:
✔️ Both an ambulance and a firetruck are dispatched
✔️ More trained responders arrive faster
✔️ Life-saving interventions begin sooner
This model ensures a rapid, skilled response—especially crucial in cardiac emergencies.
“Time Is Heart Muscle” — Why Speed Matters
Paramedic/firefighter Braden Burton, one of the responders on scene, said they found Deys unresponsive and without a pulse. The team immediately started CPR, restoring his heartbeat before transporting him to Chinook Regional Hospital. He was later flown by STARS air ambulance to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary for advanced cardiac care.
Burton emphasized the importance of quick action:
“Time is heart muscle. Having extra hands and years of combined experience is crucial to achieving a good outcome.”
A Meaningful Reunion
Deys later reunited with the paramedics and firefighters who saved his life. He admitted that he used to wonder why both an ambulance and firetruck showed up to medical calls—until now.
“Instead of having two people to perform CPR, I had seven people. That saved my life,” he said through emotion.
He hopes more people understand the value of the integrated response model and continue supporting it.
Recovery and Moving Forward
Deys shared that his heart function has returned to about 80–85%. With lifestyle changes and medical care, he hopes to return to normal in the coming weeks or months.
His story underscores how vital CPR and AED training is—quick action from bystanders can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
If you want to be prepared to help in a real emergency, consider enrolling in certified CPR and AED training through Calgary First Aid’s CPR Courses.
Learn More About CPR & First Aid
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