CPR-Trained Fans Save a Man’s Life During Ottawa Senators Game
A 64-year-old man who went into cardiac arrest during the Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens game owes his life to the quick actions of nearby fans. The incident happened suddenly in the stands at the Canadian Tire Centre, turning an ordinary night of hockey into a real-life emergency where bystanders made all the difference.
Read the original CBC News article here:
Man suffers cardiac arrest in stands during Sens, Habs game
A Sudden Collapse — and a Fast Response
Witnesses first thought a commotion in the stands might have been an argument—until they heard someone call for a medic. That’s when Lori Vanderlinden, seated in the 200 section, noticed a man slumped over and immediately rushed to help. She found him unresponsive and without a pulse and began chest compressions right away.
“He didn’t seem to have a pulse, was non-responsive… I feel badly for his wife. It was an awful thing for her,” Vanderlinden told CBC.
Moments later, Dr. Lars Thompson joined her. He noted that several people nearby were trained in CPR and stepped in without hesitation—a powerful reminder of how valuable widespread CPR training can be during emergencies.
“The most amazing thing was how many people were willing to help and how many people knew CPR,” Thompson said.
Paramedics Arrive and Activate the “Chain of Survival”
When Ottawa paramedics reached the scene, they took over CPR, administered resuscitation medications, and delivered a life-saving shock using an AED. Before the patient was even loaded into the ambulance, paramedics were able to restore his pulse—an outcome that might not have been possible without the immediate actions of bystanders.
Ottawa paramedic spokesperson J.P. Trottier emphasized the importance of early recognition, CPR, and rapid defibrillation:
“The odds of survival are much, much greater if what we call ‘the chain of survival’ is enacted… Had it not been for all of those things lined up, I don’t think he would be alive.”
The man was initially in critical condition but improved to serious condition the following day.
Why CPR and AED Skills Matter
This real-life emergency highlights how quickly cardiac arrest can strike—and how crucial bystander action is. CPR and AED use keep oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives. When done quickly, they can double or even triple the chances of survival.
If you want to be prepared to respond effectively during an emergency, consider taking a CPR and AED course.
👉 Learn more here: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Learn How to Respond in an Emergency
If you want to be better prepared, consider enrolling in a CPR and first aid course. The skills you learn today could save someone’s life tomorrow.
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