Edmonton Taxi Shooting Underscores the Need for CPR Training

The shooting took place in a busy strip mall that includes a lounge, a McDonald’s, and several small businesses. When staff and owners arrived later that morning to open their doors, they were met with a heavy police presence and the sobering aftermath of the event — including shattered glass and visible bloodstains on the pavement.

Local shop owners described the incident as unlike anything they had seen there before. While minor disturbances such as broken bottles and occasional fights had happened in the past, this was the first time such a serious act of violence had occurred in the area.

Even When Outcomes Are Tragic, CPR Still Matters

In this case, CPR did not change the outcome — but that does not lessen its importance.

When someone collapses from a cardiac arrest (which can happen after trauma, blood loss, or other medical emergencies), the brain and vital organs are starved of oxygen within minutes. High-quality CPR helps keep blood moving until advanced medical care can take over.

Key points to remember:

• CPR gives a chance, even when the situation is critical.
  We cannot control the severity of an injury, but we can control how quickly and effectively we respond.

• Early action is vital.
  Calling 911 immediately and starting CPR right away greatly increases the chances of survival in a sudden cardiac arrest.

• Bystanders make a difference.
  In many emergencies, help is needed in the first few minutes, before paramedics arrive. A trained bystander can be the link between life and death.

What You Can Do in an Emergency

If you witness someone collapse or come upon an unresponsive person:

1. Make sure the scene is safe.
   Do not put yourself in danger.

2. Check for responsiveness and breathing.
   Tap the person and shout. If they are not responding and not breathing normally, act fast.

3. Call 911 (or your local emergency number).
   Put your phone on speaker so you can follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

4. Start chest compressions.

   • Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest.

   • Push hard and fast, allowing the chest to recoil between compressions.

   • Aim for a steady rhythm until help arrives or an AED (defibrillator) is available.

5. Use an AED if one is available.
   Turn it on, follow the voice prompts, and continue CPR when advised.

You do not need to be perfect — doing something is far better than doing nothing.

Prepare Yourself Before an Emergency Happens

Situations like the Edmonton taxi shooting are rare, but cardiac emergencies are not. Having CPR skills means you are ready to help a family member, coworker, stranger, or anyone in your community who suddenly collapses.

By taking a certified CPR course, you will learn:

• How to recognize cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies

• Proper CPR techniques for adults (and, in many courses, children and infants)

• How to use an AED safely and effectively

• What to do in situations involving severe bleeding, shock, or trauma

If you are in the Calgary area and would like hands-on, practical CPR and AED training, you can register for a course with Calgary First Aid here:
https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/

Learn More and Get Trained

If you want to be better prepared to respond in an emergency, consider enrolling in a CPR and first aid training course and reviewing these helpful resources:

• https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/bleeding-cuts-wounds

• https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/cpr

• https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr-treatment