Rescuers Restart Man’s Heart After Collapse on Yellowknife Squash Court
A routine game of squash turned into a life-or-death emergency when 48-year-old Terry Gray collapsed at the Yellowknife Racquet Club. His heart suddenly went into a dangerous rhythm and stopped — and if it weren’t for the quick actions of bystanders, he might not be alive today.
This incident was originally reported by CBC News. You can read the full story here:
➡️ Rescuers restart man’s heart after collapse on Yellowknife squash court
Gray later explained that his heart “went into a bad rhythm and basically put [him] into cardiac arrest,” leading to a desperate, team-effort rescue that showcased the true power of CPR and rapid AED use.
Immediate Response on the Court
Gray had been playing squash with his friend Brooke Harker when he suddenly collapsed. Harker immediately started CPR and shouted for help.
Three Racquet Club employees — Ozzie Vallejos, Jeff Hipfner, and Devin Madsen — rushed to assist after being alerted by a junior player.
When they arrived, Gray’s skin had already turned blue, and they knew they had only moments to act.
AED Shock Brings Back a Pulse
An automated external defibrillator (AED) was quickly retrieved and placed on Gray’s chest. The AED analyzed his heart rhythm and delivered a shock while Vallejos performed mouth-to-mouth.
Nurse practitioner Kristin Richardson, who happened to be working out nearby, recognized the severity of the situation. She instructed staff to call an ambulance and continued CPR until paramedics arrived. Workers at the scene recalled seeing his colour gradually return — a sign their efforts were working.
Recovery and a Healthy Heart
Gray was transported to Stanton Territorial Hospital and placed in an induced coma. After three days, he was moved to Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital for testing, which revealed that his heart was completely healthy.
He now has an internal defibrillator implanted to protect him should cardiac arrest ever occur again.
Reflecting on the rescue, Gray said:
“Without those people around, I might not be here.”
Learn CPR. Learn to Use an AED. Save a Life.
Emergencies like this can happen anywhere — a gym, workplace, or even at home. Quick CPR and access to an AED truly save lives.
If you want to learn these essential skills, consider enrolling in a CPR and AED course at Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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