Okanagan Student Given CPR After Cardiac Arrest in Gym Class
An Okanagan student is alive today thanks to the quick actions of trained teachers and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at his school. The incident highlights how critical CPR training and emergency preparedness can be—especially in school settings.
Saving a Life Through Immediate Action
When 13-year-old Dilshaan Dhaliwal suddenly collapsed during gym class, two physical education teachers immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. Without hesitation, they began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used the school’s AED to deliver a life-saving shock.
The Grade 8 student had gone into sudden cardiac arrest—an emergency where every second matters. The teachers’ rapid response restored his heartbeat before paramedics arrived, giving him the best possible chance of survival.
Recovery and Medical Care
After the incident, Dhaliwal was transported to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, where he spent nearly a week under close medical supervision. He has since returned home to Oliver and is now awaiting open-heart surgery scheduled for later this month.
Doctors have described his survival as remarkable, crediting the prompt delivery of CPR and immediate AED use for the positive outcome. Medical experts have emphasized that without those early interventions, the result could have been very different.
Why CPR and AEDs Matter
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning—even in young, seemingly healthy individuals. While rare in children, this incident underscores the importance of having AEDs readily available and ensuring people know how to respond.
AEDs are designed to be easy to use and provide clear step-by-step instructions, even for those without medical backgrounds. When combined with early CPR, survival rates increase significantly.
Learn More
For additional medical information related to cardiac arrest, CPR, and AED use, explore these trusted resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-cardiac-arrest/symptoms-causes/syc-20350634
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr-treatment
For full details on this incident, you can read the original report published by Global News here:
👉 Okanagan Student Given CPR After Cardiac Arrest in Gym Class
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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