A 65-year-old employee at a Saskatoon car dealership is alive today thanks to the quick actions of his co-workers and immediate access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This incident highlights how workplace preparedness and basic life-saving knowledge can make a critical difference during sudden cardiac arrest.
Saving a Life at Work
Ted Brown, a staff member at Wheaton GMC Buick Cadillac, went into cardiac arrest while on the job. Recognizing the emergency, his co-workers acted without hesitation. CPR was started immediately while another employee called 911 for emergency assistance.
At the same time, staff retrieved the dealership’s AED and applied it to Ted. Although none of the employees had hands-on experience using a defibrillator, they followed the device’s instructions and worked together until paramedics arrived.
One of the employees involved, Myron Knihnitski, later explained that even without prior experience, they knew they had nothing to lose by trying. Their willingness to act quickly proved lifesaving.
Ted was rushed to hospital in serious condition and has since made a recovery. His wife, Brenda Brown, credits the calm and decisive response of the dealership staff for saving her husband’s life.
Why CPR and AED Training Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere — including workplaces, offices, and public spaces. Survival depends heavily on early CPR and rapid defibrillation. AEDs are designed for public use and provide clear, step-by-step instructions, making them effective even for people without medical training.
This real-life emergency shows why learning CPR and AED skills is so important. Training gives individuals the confidence to act quickly when seconds matter. Those interested in learning how to respond during cardiac emergencies can explore CPR and AED training options through Winnipeg First Aid, including their CPR-focused programs.
For more details about this life-saving incident, you can read the original coverage published by CBC News here:
👉 Man Saved by Co-Workers Using an AED
Learn More About AEDs and Emergency Response
If you want to be better prepared to help in a medical emergency, enrolling in a CPR and AED course is one of the most effective steps you can take. Understanding how defibrillators work and practicing life-saving skills can help save lives in your workplace or community.
Helpful 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
Choose locally-owned, Canadian-operated businesses with no connections or partnerships to American corporate entities.