Teen’s Quick Thinking Helps Save Her Father During Cardiac Arrest
When a life is on the line, every second matters. A 14-year-old Winnipeg girl, Andrea Warzel, proved just how important preparedness can be when her father collapsed from cardiac arrest in June.
Andrea’s father, Tony, had just returned from a jog when he suddenly collapsed at home. While her mother, Susan, began performing CPR, Andrea immediately called 911 — despite never having made an emergency call before. Although she didn’t feel calm, dispatchers said she handled the situation with remarkable composure, relaying clear instructions to help keep CPR going until help arrived.
According to a release from the City of Winnipeg, Andrea and her mother continued CPR until firefighters and paramedics reached the home. Emergency responders then defibrillated Tony twice to restore a normal heartbeat. Once stabilized, he was transported to hospital, where a stent was placed to open blocked arteries. He has since recovered and is doing well.
Andrea later received the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Citizen Recognition Award for her life-saving efforts. WFPS Chief John Lane praised her calmness under pressure, noting that her clear communication played a major role in helping responders restore circulation to her father’s heart.
Andrea says she didn’t feel calm at all — but credits her entire family for working together. Even her sister played a role by shouting at garbage trucks blocking the road so paramedics could reach the home quickly.
Tony says he is simply grateful. Without the quick actions of his wife, daughters, and first responders, his outcome could have been very different.
Why CPR and Emergency Training Matter
Cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and survival depends heavily on the actions taken in the first few minutes. Immediate CPR keeps oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs, while early defibrillation can restore a normal heart rhythm.
Andrea’s story highlights that anyone — even a teenager — can save a life when they know what to do.
For families, workplaces, and communities, CPR and first aid training can make all the difference. If you want to be prepared to respond in an emergency, consider enrolling in one of our certified training programs here:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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