Calgary First Aid: Teachers Honoured for Saving Student in Cardiac Arrest
Quick action, proper training, and immediate access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) helped save the life of a 13-year-old student in the South Okanagan—highlighting just how critical CPR and AED preparedness can be in schools.
According to a CBC News report by Dominika Lirette, South Okanagan Secondary School teachers Steve Podomorow and Mike Russo were honoured by B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) after resuscitating student Dilshaan Dhaliwal, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest during gym class.
👉 Original source: CBC News Teachers honoured for saving student in cardiac arrest
The teachers were presented with the Vital Link Award, recognizing their fast response and effective use of lifesaving skills.
Collapse During Gym Class
The incident occurred on January 30 during a joint gym class involving Russo’s Grade 8 students and Podomorow’s senior class. After completing a 12-minute run, Dilshaan handed in his results and was walking past Podomorow when he suddenly collapsed.
Russo, who serves as the school’s designated first aid responder, immediately recognized the emergency.
“I’m the first aid person at the school and checked him out quickly, got 911 on the phone and started the CPR process,” Russo told CBC.
CPR and AED Used Within Minutes
The 911 dispatcher stayed on the line throughout the emergency, providing guidance until paramedics arrived. Within two to three minutes, CPR was underway and the AED was applied.
Russo estimates he performed CPR for eight to nine minutes before emergency crews took over. Due to the seriousness of the incident, Dilshaan was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital for further treatment.
“The AED Was Paramount”
Both teachers emphasized that early access to an AED played a decisive role in saving the student’s life.
“The AED gave him the best chance he could have possibly had. The AED was paramount in the success of this,” said Russo.
The student was found to be in a shockable heart rhythm, allowing the AED to deliver a lifesaving shock and help restore a normal heartbeat.
Why CPR and AED Training Matters
Not all schools are equipped with AEDs, and not everyone knows how to respond during cardiac arrest. This incident shows how training, teamwork, and equipment availability can mean the difference between life and death.
If you want to be prepared to act in an emergency, consider enrolling in a CPR and AED training course through Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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