Calgary First Aid: Why Workplace Defibrillators Are Essential — A Lesson From the NFB Tragedy
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is taking action after the tragic death of an employee at its Montreal headquarters. The incident, first reported by CBC News, highlights the critical importance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in workplaces.
Read the original article here:
👉 Death of employee prompts NFB to buy defibrillators for Montreal office
A Preventable Loss
Earlier this week, an employee working in film colourization collapsed from a cardiac episode near a coffee machine at the office. When a colleague called 911, the dispatcher asked a crucial question: “Is there a defibrillator nearby?” There wasn’t. Despite “incredible efforts” from coworkers, the man did not survive.
Workers Had Been Asking for AEDs for Over Four Years
According to union adviser Chantal Bourgeois from the Canadian Union of Public Employees, employees had been requesting a workplace defibrillator for more than four years. These requests were repeatedly denied.
The reasoning? AEDs were not mandatory under the Canada Labour Code, and the office was close to several hospitals. The NFB also noted that 12 staff members were trained in first aid, which they believed offered sufficient protection.
But this tragic event revealed a critical gap:
Being near a hospital is not the same as having an AED available immediately.
Why AEDs Matter
Cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time, and survival rates drop 7–10% per minute without defibrillation. CPR alone often cannot restart the heart. AEDs are designed for quick, simple use—even by bystanders with no medical background.
This story underscores an important message for every workplace:
Training matters, but equipment saves lives.
A Change in Approach
Following the incident, the NFB conducted research, consulted cardiologists, and acknowledged they had underestimated the importance of AEDs.
“We see that we missed a lot of information about the importance of that machine,” said Lily Robert, NFB’s director of communications and public affairs. “It’s sad, but at least it won’t happen again.”
The NFB has committed to purchasing four AEDs, with one to be installed on each floor of its new downtown building next year.
What Employers Can Learn
This incident offers essential lessons:
AEDs save lives and must be readily accessible.
CPR + AED training dramatically improves survival rates.
Preparedness means both trained responders and proper equipment.
Proactive planning prevents tragedies.
Learn How to Help
You can make your workplace safer by learning CPR and how to use an AED.
For professional training options in Calgary, visit:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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