Bystanders and an AED Help Save Teen in Cardiac Arrest at Sir Robert Borden High School
A 15-year-old boy is alive today thanks to quick-thinking bystanders, rapid CPR, and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Sir Robert Borden High School. The teen collapsed during a futsal tournament on Saturday and went into sudden cardiac arrest — a life-threatening emergency where every second counts.
What Happened
According to a news release from Ottawa paramedics, the boy was playing futsal — a fast-paced indoor version of soccer played with a smaller, heavier ball — when he suddenly collapsed.
The full original report can be found here:
👉 Bystanders use defibrillator to help save boy in cardiac arrest
A cardiologist who happened to be on-site immediately recognized the emergency and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While CPR was underway, other bystanders quickly retrieved the school’s AED.
The AED was applied within moments, delivering one shock before paramedics arrived. Once on scene, paramedics continued advanced resuscitation efforts and administered additional shocks until his pulse returned.
The teen regained consciousness in the ambulance and was taken to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where he was listed in serious but stable condition.
A Reminder of the Power of Bystander Intervention
Paramedics emphasized how critical the bystanders’ actions were, stating:
“Without the actions of the bystanders, the outcome might have been quite different.”
This was also the fifth person in Ottawa revived in 2018 with the help of a public-access AED, underscoring the importance of accessible lifesaving equipment in community spaces.
Why CPR and AED Training Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere — even healthy teens in the middle of a game. Immediate CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, while an AED can restore a normal heart rhythm. When these interventions are delivered quickly, the chances of survival increase dramatically.
This real-life incident is a strong reminder that:
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CPR buys critical time until advanced care arrives
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AEDs can restart the heart in cardiac arrest
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Trained bystanders make a life-or-death difference
To learn how you can be prepared to help in an emergency, consider taking a CPR and AED training course through Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Learn More About CPR and AEDs
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