Woman Saves Elderly Man After Sudden Collapse at Pearson Airport
A routine flight arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport suddenly turned into a life-or-death emergency when an elderly man collapsed while exiting a Turkish Airlines flight.
According to a report by Mississauga.com, the man collapsed along the jet bridge shortly after leaving the aircraft. He was not breathing and had no detectable pulse. His wife was beside him, desperately seeking help.
Moony Mathew, an employee with Global Aviation Services — a ground handling company operating at Pearson — happened to be passing by at the time. The moment she saw the man collapse, she immediately understood how serious the situation was.
“If I did CPR properly, he would get his life back. If I didn’t, he wouldn’t come back,” Mathew later told Mississauga.com.
Without hesitation, she rushed to the man, brought a wheelchair, and began providing emergency care.
Immediate CPR Saved a Life
Mathew quickly assessed the elderly man and confirmed that he was not breathing and had no pulse. She immediately began CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, maintaining circulation and oxygen flow until paramedics arrived.
Emergency responders soon reached the scene with a defibrillator and continued advanced life-saving measures before transporting the man to hospital.
Doctors later confirmed that the man, who was visiting from Montreal, had suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical staff stated that Mathew’s immediate CPR response likely saved his life. While in hospital, the man received a pacemaker and was later discharged. He is now recovering at home in Montreal.
Experience, Training, and Staying Calm
Before moving to Canada four years earlier, Moony Mathew worked as a registered nurse in India. She is also a mother of two. Despite the intensity of the situation, witnesses noted how calm and focused she remained throughout the emergency.
When asked how she stayed composed, Mathew explained that she treated the situation as if she were helping a loved one. She also emphasized that when someone stops breathing, irreversible brain damage can begin within minutes — making immediate CPR critical in cardiac arrest situations.
Mathew remained humble about her actions, saying that her faith gave her the confidence to act quickly and decisively.
Recognition from Turkish Airlines
The Turkish Airlines station manager personally thanked Mathew for her fast and responsible response, noting that timing was crucial in this emergency.
In recognition of her life-saving actions, she was presented with a thank-you letter and a $200 prepaid Visa gift card from Turkish Airlines management.
Why CPR Training Matters
This incident highlights how cardiac arrests can happen anywhere — airports, workplaces, restaurants, or public spaces — and how immediate bystander CPR can significantly increase survival chances.
Learning CPR and AED skills through certified programs like the CPR and AED training courses offered by Winnipeg First Aid helps individuals gain the confidence and practical experience needed to act in real emergencies.
Original Source
This story was originally reported by Mississauga.com.
Read the full article here: Woman Saves Elderly Man After Sudden Collapse at Pearson Airport
Learn More About CPR and First Aid
Being informed and prepared can make a life-saving difference during emergencies. For additional information about CPR techniques, first aid basics, and emergency response, explore these trusted resources:
Wikipedia – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitationWebMD – CPR Treatment Overview
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr-treatmentMayo Clinic – First Aid & CPR Basics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600
About The Author
Mark Kascha
Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.
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Last reviewed: March 2026
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