Two Teachers Save a Student’s Life With CPR

Two teachers at a British Columbia high school are being recognized for their quick thinking and life-saving actions after a Grade 8 student suffered sudden cardiac arrest during gym class.

The incident occurred at Southern Okanagan Secondary School in Oliver, B.C. As students were preparing to change and head to their next class, one student suddenly collapsed without warning.

According to teacher Steve Podmorow, the moment caught everyone by surprise. “Kids were getting ready to pack up and get changed and get onto their next class, and then we had a young fellow collapse,” he said in an interview.
The full original report detailing this incident can be read on Global News, which covered how two B.C. teachers saved the life of a Grade 8 student using CPR and an AED.

👉 Read the original article here: Two Teachers Save a Student’s Life With CPR

Saving the Life of a Student

Podmorow immediately jumped into action alongside fellow teacher Mike Russo, who is also a volunteer firefighter in Oliver. Russo described the situation as extremely serious and emotionally intense.

“It’s nerve-wracking—it’s a real serious situation,” Russo said. “There was no prior warning. He was fine before, talking and acting normally, so it was a big shock.”

Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest, the teachers began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away. They also retrieved and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) mounted just outside the school gymnasium. Although the AED had been installed several years earlier, it had never been used before this emergency.

Russo explained that AEDs are designed to assist even non-medical responders. “The AED has all the prompts and walks you through it,” he said. “You just want to make sure you’re performing good CPR and doing the best job you can.”

Emergency Response and Recovery

As stunned students watched, Podmorow stayed on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, receiving step-by-step guidance until paramedics arrived on scene. This coordinated response helped stabilize the student until advanced medical care could take over.

The boy was later airlifted to B.C. Children’s Hospital. According to the superintendent of the Okanagan-Similkameen School District, the student has since been released from intensive care and is now recovering.

School administrators praised the teachers’ actions, emphasizing that proper training and access to life-saving equipment made a critical difference.

Why CPR and AED Training Matters

This incident is a powerful reminder that cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere—even in schools and to children. Early CPR combined with rapid AED use significantly increases survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest.

Regular first aid, CPR, and AED recertification ensures skills stay current and responders act confidently when seconds matter most.

Learn More About CPR and AEDs

For additional trusted information on CPR and AED use, explore these resources:

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.

👉 [View full credentials]🔗 View LinkedIn Profile

Last reviewed: March 2026

Serving Winnipeg and south Manitoba with the cheapest priced, highest quality first aid training, CPR and food safety courses since 2012 with a commitment to providing the best classes to Canadians.