Windsor Teen Saves His Father’s Life Using CPR Learned Just Two Days Earlier
A simple classroom lesson turned into a lifesaving moment for 17-year-old Turki Ayash, a Grade 11 student at Catholic Central High School in Windsor, Ontario. Turki used CPR skills he had learned in school only 48 hours earlier to save his father’s life during a sudden cardiac emergency.
A Morning That Changed Everything
Turki, who moved to Canada with his Syrian refugee family just three years ago, had recently completed a two-day CPR training unit in his physical education class. He never anticipated just how soon he would need to use those skills.
On a Saturday morning in November, Turki awoke to the sound of his younger siblings crying. When he reached his father Ahmed’s bedside, he found him unresponsive and “losing his heartbeat.”
Relying on his fresh CPR training, Turki began chest compressions immediately.
“I remembered what we learned in class and started CPR,” he said.
Even though his father had stopped breathing, first responders later told Turki that his fast action kept blood circulating long enough to prevent a fatal outcome.
For those interested in the full story as reported by CBC, you can read the original article here:
👉 ‘He was losing his heartbeat’: Windsor teen saves dad’s life with CPR learned 2 days earlier
First Aid Skills That Truly Save Lives
Doctors confirmed what paramedics suspected: without Turki’s CPR, his father would not have survived.
“If you didn’t do CPR, he would be dead,” they told him.
Turki credits his CPR lessons entirely, and his physical education teacher, Jalil Khoury, said he got goosebumps hearing what happened.
“It was surreal to think something we practiced in class came to fruition,” Khoury said.
He now plans to share the story every year to emphasize the life-saving importance of CPR education.
A Story of Recovery and Hope
Ahmed has since received a pacemaker and is recovering well. Inspired by the close call, he has quit smoking to improve his long-term health.
What started as a frightening emergency has led to healthier habits and renewed hope for the whole family.
Community Recognition
To honour his bravery, Turki was presented with a certificate from Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Bruce Krauter—recognizing not only his courage, but also the value of CPR training for youth and adults alike.
Why CPR Training Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anywhere, at any time. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates, especially during the crucial minutes before paramedics arrive.
Turki’s story proves that CPR isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifesaving tool anyone can learn.
If you want to feel confident stepping in during an emergency, consider taking a certified CPR course.
👉 Start by exploring CPR and AED training options here:
https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Be Prepared. Learn CPR and First Aid Today.
Your quick action could save a life—just like Turki saved his father.
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