Miramichi Man Credits AED With Saving His Life During Fitness Challenge
A New Brunswick man is alive today thanks to quick-thinking bystanders, effective CPR, and access to a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED).
Eugene Manuel, 46, was competing in a fitness challenge at a local gym in Miramichi on July 11 when he suddenly suffered cardiac arrest. Without warning, his heart stopped beating and he collapsed in front of fellow participants.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, bystanders immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while another individual ran next door to a nearby Tim Hortons to retrieve an AED. The defibrillator was used to deliver a life-saving shock, successfully restarting Manuel’s heart before emergency responders arrived.
A Life Saved by Preparedness and AED Access
The AED used during the emergency had been installed at the Tim Hortons in memory of Pat O’Kane, a local man who died from cardiac arrest six years earlier when no defibrillator was available in the area. His passing helped raise awareness about the importance of public-access AEDs.
In a remarkable coincidence, O’Kane’s daughter, Cailin, was participating in the same fitness competition when Manuel collapsed. Her father’s legacy directly contributed to saving another life that day.
Community Recognition for Life-Saving Actions
Following the incident, Ambulance New Brunswick held a special event with Eugene Manuel to recognize and thank the individuals whose rapid response, CPR skills, and use of an AED made survival possible. Their actions demonstrate how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference when they are prepared to act.
According to a report by CBC News, the incident highlights how critical immediate CPR and AED access can be during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. You can read the full original story here:
👉 Miramichi man credits AED with saving his life
Why CPR and AED Training Matters
Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere — gyms, workplaces, public spaces, or community events. Survival often depends on immediate bystander action. Early CPR helps keep oxygen flowing to the brain, while prompt defibrillation using an AED can restore a normal heart rhythm.
Learning CPR and how to use an AED gives individuals the confidence to respond effectively during emergencies. Calgary First Aid offers comprehensive CPR and AED training courses designed to prepare people for real-life situations like this one. Learn more here:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Be Ready to Save a Life
Eugene Manuel’s story is a powerful reminder that access to training and life-saving equipment truly matters. When communities are prepared, lives can be saved — sometimes by the people standing right beside you.
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