How CPR and an AED Saved a Man’s Life on a Yellowknife Squash Court

A routine game of squash turned into a life-or-death emergency on May 12 when Yellowknife resident Terry Gray, 48, collapsed at The Yellowknife Racquet Club. His story was originally reported by CBC News and can be read in full here:

Rescuers restart man’s heart after collapse on Yellowknife squash court

Thanks to the fast actions of friends, gym staff, and a nearby nurse practitioner, Terry’s heart was restarted — and he is alive today because CPR and an AED were used immediately.

A Sudden Collapse — And a Critical Response

Terry was playing squash with his friend Brooke Harker when he suddenly collapsed. From his hospital bed in Edmonton, Terry later explained that his heart had gone into a dangerous rhythm, sending him straight into cardiac arrest.

Hands performing CPR chest compressions on a training manikin during a first aid and CPR course.
CPR training teaches lifesaving skills — quick chest compressions like these helped save Terry Gray after his collapse on the squash court.

Harker immediately began CPR and called for help.

That call brought three Racquet Club employees — Ozzie Vallejos, Jeff Hipfner, and Devin Madsen — rushing to the court. Vallejos said he was pulled from another court by a junior player who urgently told him Terry was down.

“You’ve got to act now”

Someone quickly grabbed the facility’s automated external defibrillator (AED). Madsen later said Terry’s skin colour made it clear he wasn’t getting any blood flow — the situation was critical.

“You’ve got to act now or no one’s going to do anything,” he said. “If we don’t do anything, who knows what the end result will be.”

Vallejos began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while the AED pads were applied to Terry’s chest. Within moments, the AED delivered a life-saving shock.

At that moment, Kristin Richardson, a nurse practitioner with Public Health who happened to be at the gym, rushed in. She assessed the situation, instructed staff to call an ambulance, and took over CPR until paramedics arrived.

Those on scene recalled seeing colour return to Terry’s face and faint attempts at breathing — a powerful reminder that early CPR and AED use works.

Life-Saving Care and a Remarkable Recovery

Terry was rushed to Stanton Territorial Hospital, where doctors placed him in an induced coma. Three days later, he was flown to Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital for further testing.

Amazingly, all tests confirmed his heart was structurally healthy. His sudden cardiac arrest had come without warning.

He now has an internal defibrillator implanted to protect him should his heart ever slip into a dangerous rhythm again.

Reflecting on the experience, Terry said:

“Without those people around, I might not be here. I owe them my life.”

Why CPR and First Aid Training Matter

Emergencies happen everywhere — gyms, workplaces, schools, and homes. In sudden cardiac arrest, immediate CPR and AED use are critical, and survival rates drop with every passing minute.

This story highlights how vital it is for everyday people to learn these skills. With proper CPR and AED training, you can:

  • Recognize cardiac arrest quickly

  • Start chest compressions with confidence

  • Use an AED safely and effectively

  • Support someone until professional help arrives

If you want to be prepared to help in a real emergency, consider enrolling in CPR and AED training. Calgary residents can explore upcoming course options here:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/

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