Quick-Thinking Bystanders Revive Hockey Player After Cardiac Arrest at Ottawa Arena
A recreational hockey game at the Minto Sports Complex turned into a life-or-death emergency when a 48-year-old player suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. Thanks to the rapid response of bystanders, arena employees, and paramedics, the man was revived and transported to hospital with a promising prognosis.
Immediate CPR Made the Difference
Just before 7 p.m., witnesses saw the man collapse on the ice. Bystanders immediately began CPR—an action widely known to double or even triple survival chances in cardiac arrest. At the same time, a paramedic communications officer directed others to retrieve the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) located inside the facility.
An employee from the University of Ottawa sports complex quickly applied the AED and delivered a shock, restoring the man’s pulse before paramedics arrived. This early intervention is a powerful reminder of why CPR and AED training matter.
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Paramedics Continued Life-Saving Care
When paramedics reached the scene, they administered medications and continued resuscitation while transporting the patient to the hospital. According to acting operations superintendent Marc-Antoine Deschamps, the man was “doing pretty well” afterward and had an optimistic prognosis — an outcome that would likely not have been possible without immediate CPR and rapid access to an AED.
Why Every Second Matters
Cardiac arrest leaves only a small window—just minutes—before irreversible damage begins. This is why the “Chain of Survival” is so critical:
Early recognition and calling 911
Immediate CPR from bystanders
Quick access to an AED
Advanced paramedic and hospital care
Deschamps emphasized that Ottawa now has more AEDs accessible in public places than ever before. These devices include voice prompts and step-by-step instructions, making them usable even for individuals without formal training.
“These things work very well. This is how we save people in cardiac arrest,” he said.
Learn How to Save a Life
Emergencies like this highlight the importance of basic CPR and AED knowledge. A few hours of training could help you save someone’s life.
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👉 Quick-acting bystanders help revive hockey player who collapsed from cardiac arrest
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