Ottawa Woman and City Workers Team Up to Save Jogger’s Life at Neill Nesbitt Park
A routine morning in Barrhaven turned into a lifesaving emergency when a jogger collapsed in Neill Nesbitt Park. Thanks to the fast actions of a bystander and several City of Ottawa workers, the man survived a sudden cardiac arrest — a powerful reminder of how crucial CPR training can be in an emergency.
This story is based on reporting from CBC News, which you can read in full here:
It just wasn’t his time’: Meet the Ottawa woman who helped save jogger’s life
A Lifesaving Instinct
On her drive home from Starbucks, Ottawa resident Adele Gawley noticed several workers in orange safety vests gathered around a man lying motionless on the ground. Something felt wrong. Without hesitating, she pulled over and rushed toward the scene.
“When I got closer, it was clear something was very wrong,” Gawley told CBC. The man’s skin had turned purple-blue — a sign that he was not getting oxygen.
With the help of City of Ottawa parks employee Troy Featherston, Gawley rolled the man onto his side for safety. Moments later, Featherston asked the crucial question: Should we begin compressions?They immediately repositioned the man onto his back and prepared to start CPR.
CPR Begins: Training Takes Over
Gawley, a trained lifeguard, quickly identified the correct position on the man’s ribcage for effective compressions. As another landscaper kept 911 dispatchers updated, Featherston began chest compressions.
Gawley said her training kicked in automatically:
“I just flipped into a different side of my brain… I knew what needed to be done.”
Within moments, the man’s colour began to improve and he started to take faint breaths — early signs that the CPR was working.
Paramedics Step In
Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and continued advanced life-saving interventions. They delivered two shocks with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and administered epinephrine, restoring circulation.
The man soon began breathing and moving on his own before being transported to hospital in critical but stable condition.
Ottawa paramedics later credited Gawley and Featherston for their quick actions:
“CPR initiated by bystanders is one of the crucial links in the chain of survival,” said Supt. Marc-Antoine Deschamps.
A Powerful Reminder of Why CPR Matters
Gawley said she felt humbled by the experience and grateful that the right people were in the right place at the right time.
“It wasn’t his time, and I’m glad we could help.”
The jogger had no identification, and Gawley hopes he is recovering well — but regardless of the outcome, her message is clear: CPR saves lives, and anyone can learn it.
Learn CPR — You Could Save a Life
This real-life emergency shows how fast action from everyday people can mean the difference between life and death. CPR, AED use, and basic first aid skills are essential tools that anyone can learn.
If you want to gain the confidence to respond in emergencies just like this, consider enrolling in a certified CPR course.
👉 Learn more about CPR and AED training here:
https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Additional Helpful Resources
Serving Calgary and the surrounding areas the lowest priced, highest quality OH&S approved first aid training, CPR and food safety courses for over 15 years!
Support locally-owned and Canadian-operated businesses, with no partnerships or links with American corporations.