As has become a common occurrence in hockey rinks – and other public places – across Canada over the past several years, easy and quick access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) has saved another life.
This time it happened to be the life of Osoyoos senior Harold Cox, who suffered a massive heart attack while playing hockey at the Oliver Arena two weeks ago.
Within seconds of Cox crumbling to the ice in obvious distress, a group of players worked together to retrieve an AED from the arena office.
Following the voice activated commands that are now part and parcel of AEDs, Cox’s heart was “zapped” and his heart rhythm was quickly restored.
Without the AED, there is little doubt that Cox would have been lying in a coffin rather than waiting in hospital for bypass surgery.
“He was dead,” recalled teammate Jeff Crowley, who was one of several people who saved Cox’s life during the traumatic, but life affirming rescue.
Because of this incident, the AED was moved from the arena office to the main lobby as every second counts when it comes to assisting someone who has suffered a massive heart attack.
The group of hockey players involved in saving Cox’s life acted heroically, even though they admit they hadn’t undergone any training and really didn’t know what they were doing.
The magic of AEDs is they have voice commands and are exceptionally easy to use.
There have been reports of young children saving lives by using AEDs; that’s how easy these magnificent little machines are to use.
After the shock button was pressed, Cox responded immediately.
He started to choke, but he was rolled on his side, which cleared his air passage and he was rushed to hospital.
All of the players involved acknowledge the AED was instrumental in reviving Cox.
Most hockey arenas in Canada now have AEDs – and if they don’t, they should.
It’s that simple. These machines save lives.
A couple of the players visited Cox in the hospital last week and said he is looking well and maintaining his sense of humour as he awaits quadruple bypass surgery.
Cox’s goal is a full recovery and desire to rejoin his teammates on the ice a few months down the road.
Thanks to his hockey buddies and access to an AED, he will have many more hockey stories to share with his teammates, family and grandchildren.
We hope that Cox makes a complete recovery and can get back to playing the game he loves.
And we also hope that the hockey players that came to his rescue receive some sort of commendation for a job very well done.
Each year, up to 40,000 Canadians experience sudden cardiac arrest and as many as 85 per cent occur in public places or in the home.
That’s why purchasing and promoting their access and use should be mandatory policy for every municipality in this country.
