An Abbotsford man was saved with the prompt action of patrons and an AED after suffering a lethal arrythmia at Abbotsford Recreational Centre.
Sudden heart emergency
If a sudden heart attack occurs, the best scenario is in a building with a paramedic and other health care professionals present and an automated external defibrillator (AED) on hand. This was the case of an Abbotsford man who is lucky to be alive after suffering a lethal arrythmia.
The middle-aged man with an average build was on the treadmill at the gym. He finished his workout and went to join his wife who was running on the track when he collapsed.
Medical professionals on the scene
The man was lucky that day since many medical professionals were present in the building. An off-duty paramedic, Jim Earle was working out when he heard the commotion. An auxiliary firefighter Brian Wiens was also in the gym and they assessed the man and started CPR.
There were also 2 emergency room nurses at a birthday party downstairs who arrived on scene as well as a Corrections officer with CPR training.
There was also a Lifepak defibrillator at ARC which was brought a year ago and it helped saved his life. The device is designed to shock the heart, restoring it to a healthy rhythm.
It only required one shot and it brought the man back. An on-duty paramedic, Pete Smith stated that upon arrival on the scene, the man was already conscious and talking.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a CPR and AED course and for more information, check out these sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heart-attack/basics/art-20056679