Public Access Defibrillators Save Three Lives in Six Days Across Ottawa
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👉 Public access defibrillators save three lives in six days across Ottawa
Thanks to fast-acting bystanders and easy access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), three individuals—ranging from their 50s to 60s—were successfully revived before reaching hospital.
Rapid Response Makes All the Difference
Ottawa Paramedics reported that between last Friday and Wednesday morning, bystanders used PADs to assist three people who suddenly went into cardiac arrest in public places.
Three Emergencies, Three Lives Saved
1. Office Emergency on Bank Street
Around 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday, a man in his 60s collapsed at an office building on Bank Street.
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Coworkers immediately began CPR
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Two shocks were delivered via a PAD before paramedics arrived
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Paramedics delivered a third shock, and the man regained consciousness
He was transported to hospital in serious but stable condition—a direct result of fast intervention.
2. Cardiac Arrest During Badminton Game
On Monday night, a man in his 50s went into cardiac arrest while playing badminton at A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School in Stittsville.
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Bystanders recognized the emergency and started CPR
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School staff retrieved an onsite PAD
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Three shocks were delivered before paramedics arrived
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The man regained consciousness en route to hospital
He remained in serious condition but alive because people nearby knew what to do.
3. Hockey Player Saved at Cumberland Arena
Last Friday, a man in his 50s collapsed on the bench while playing hockey at R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland.
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Teammates began CPR right away
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Arena staff quickly retrieved the onsite defibrillator
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A single shock restored the man’s heartbeat
The Ottawa Paramedic Service credited the quick actions of both teammates and staff for saving his life.
Paramedics publicly thanked all the bystanders who recognized the emergencies, called 911, used PADs, and performed compressions—highlighting the critical role of community response.
A Survivor’s Perspective: “Every Second Counts”
This isn’t the first time a PAD saved a life in Ottawa. In 2017, Paul Dogra collapsed while playing hockey at the University of Ottawa. A doctor at the rink used the onsite defibrillator to revive him.
Dogra now shares his story to encourage others to take action when needed:
“They walk past it… they see it but they don’t really comprehend. You need to be touched by one.”
“One thing I realized is how critical seconds are… every second counts.”
His experience reinforces how vital early CPR and defibrillation truly are.
Why First Aid and CPR Training Matters
CPR and AED use are simple, effective skills that anyone can learn. Ottawa Paramedics note that movies often exaggerate emergencies, making some people hesitant to step in. Training builds confidence.
As Chris Stroud explains:
“The courses increase the users’ comfort level in using them.”
If you want to gain these life-saving skills yourself, explore hands-on CPR and AED training with Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Be Prepared to Save a Life
Emergencies can happen anywhere—at work, at school, during sports, or in everyday settings. Knowing CPR and how to use an AED ensures you’re ready to act when every second counts.
Recommended Resources
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Mayo Clinic – CPR Basics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600 -
Healthline – CPR Overview
https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/cpr -
Wikipedia – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitation
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