A Preventable Tragedy: Inmate Death Highlights the Critical Need for Reliable AEDs and Proper CPR Training

A tragic incident at Saskatoon’s Regional Psychiatric Centre (RPC) has underscored a critical truth: when lifesaving equipment fails and staff lack essential emergency tools, the consequences can be fatal. The inquest into the 2017 death of inmate Otto Hansen revealed alarming gaps in emergency preparedness—including a malfunctioning AED and lack of access to naloxone—that may have cost a life.

Hansen, 46, was found unresponsive in his cell on October 25, 2017. Although staff acted quickly, they faced delays at the most crucial moments—delays that highlight why proper first aid, CPR, and AED training and readiness are non-negotiable.

You can read the original news article here:

AED not working, staff not equipped with naloxone when RPC inmate died, inquest hears

What the Inquest Revealed

During testimony, correctional officer Jared Mackay explained that:

Staff did not carry naloxone, despite opioid risks within the facility.
The first AED that arrived had faulty pads, delaying defibrillation.
A second AED had to be fetched from another unit, costing critical minutes.
Staffing levels at night were lower, slowing emergency response.
Drug smuggling and “cheeking” of medication remained active risks.
Concerns were raised about potential complications during airway intervention.

Inquests do not assign blame, but they do reveal dangerous gaps in procedure and equipment. This case points to one clear conclusion:

Emergency response must be fast, trained, and fully equipped—every time.

Why Proper First Aid, CPR, and AED Training Saves Lives

Emergencies like cardiac arrest and overdose strike suddenly, often when trained medical professionals are not nearby. Survival depends on:

Immediate CPR

Keeps blood and oxygen flowing to the brain.

Fast, effective AED use

Restores normal heart rhythm—if the device is working and responders know how to use it.

Confidence through training

People who are trained act faster, hesitate less, and follow proven lifesaving steps.

When training or equipment fails, outcomes become tragic. When both are strong, survival becomes possible.

Become the Lifeline: Get Certified Today

Whether at work, at home, or in public, YOU may be the first person on the scene of an emergency. Give yourself the skills and confidence to act when it matters most.

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Our training follows enhanced safety measures:

Limited class sizes with 2-metre distancing
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You’ll learn in a safe, supportive setting designed to prepare you for real-world emergencies.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis

The RPC inquest is a powerful reminder that unpreparedness costs lives.
Be the person who knows what to do when every second counts.

Get trained. Get confident. Be ready to save a life.

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