It's Emotional, to Say the Least”: Toronto Man Reunites With the Paramedics Who Saved His Life
When 51-year-old Phys Ed teacher John Turco walked into Toronto City Hall for Safe City Day, he wasn’t expecting to be overwhelmed with emotion. But for the first time since his cardiac arrest nearly three months earlier, he stood face-to-face with the friends and paramedics who kept him alive.
Choking up as he shook their hands, Turco said,
“It’s emotional, to say the least.”
This powerful reunion was first reported by CBC News, and you can read the original story here:
➡️ ‘It’s emotional, to say the least’: Toronto man meets paramedics who saved his life
The event took place as Mayor John Tory declared February 14 the city’s first-ever Safe City Day, honouring residents and first responders who demonstrate the lifesaving power of CPR and AED use. Toronto Paramedic Services’ Safe City program trains more than 7,500 people each year in these crucial skills.
A Ordinary Game Turns Into a Fight for Survival
On November 23, Turco was playing pickup basketball at Neil McNeil High School, where he also teaches. He’d already been playing for more than an hour when a friend asked:
“One more game?”
Turco agreed — and that was the last thing he remembers.
Moments later, he collapsed after scoring a basket and backpedaling toward defence. His teammate, Gerald Rozario, saw him fall backwards, hitting the gym floor hard.
Rozario immediately called for someone to dial 911 and sent another player to retrieve the school’s AED.
CPR, Teamwork, and a Defibrillator Made the Difference
Rozario and two other players acted quickly, beginning CPR within seconds. Although Rozario had only ever practised CPR in a training course, he didn’t hesitate in the real emergency.
When they couldn’t detect a pulse, they cut Turco’s shirt and applied the AED. The Defibrillator delivered a crucial shock that helped restore movement in his chest.
Paramedic Steven Deans was first on scene.
“I could see his chest moving up and down from across the gym floor — an excellent sign,”
Deans said.
Paramedic Chris Miller added that everything was under control by the time they arrived thanks to Turco’s trained friends.
This quick action reflects an essential truth:
Survival rates double when CPR and an AED are used in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
By the time Turco was placed in the ambulance, he was conscious and even cracking jokes.
“He said, ‘My wife’s going to kill me. She hates when I play basketball,’” Deans said with a smile.
Turco joked later, “Actually, it’s the cardiologist who won’t let me play.”
He hopes to return to the court once he is medically cleared.
Why CPR & AED Training Matters
Turco’s story demonstrates how ordinary people can save a life when they know what to do. His survival came down to:
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Immediate CPR
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Fast AED access
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Quick recognition of cardiac arrest
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Rapid paramedic response
Every link in the chain mattered — and every minute counted.
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