Teammates Honoured for Saving a Fellow Hockey Player’s Life
Two Winnipeg hockey teammates are being recognized for their quick and decisive actions that helped save the life of their friend, Jim Kirby, after he suffered a heart attack during a pickup game.
A Life-Threatening Emergency on the Ice
On December 14, during a regular game at the Glenwood Community Centre, Kirby collapsed from a cardiac arrest. Teammates Ron Klippenstein and Dan Szun immediately stepped in. With little time to spare, they retrieved the on-site automated external defibrillator (AED)—a device donated to the arena by Crosstown Credit Union—and used it to deliver lifesaving shocks.
Their rapid response kept Kirby alive until paramedics arrived.
You can read the original CBC News report here:
Hockey teammates receive award for saving fellow player’s life
Recognized by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service
For their efforts, Klippenstein and Szun received the first-ever Citizen Recognition Award from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. Kirby, who has no memory of the incident or his first few days in the hospital, stood with them at the ceremony.
“I’m very happy to be here today,” Kirby said. “It’s largely thanks to Dan and Ron and their quick action that helped me pull through.”
Officials also noted that the community centre’s AED had been used once before for another medical emergency—showing how valuable these devices are in public sports facilities.
The Importance of CPR and AED Training
Fire and paramedic officials continue to encourage all Winnipeggers to learn the signs of a heart attack, understand how to respond, and get comfortable using an AED. Quick CPR and early defibrillation greatly increase the chances of survival during cardiac emergencies.
If stories like this inspire you to be prepared, consider learning CPR and AED skills. Training only takes a few hours, and it can make a life-saving difference.
👉 Learn CPR and AED skills here:
https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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Video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2WbjUu35Ig&t=7s
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