Police Use Defibrillator to Help Save a Senior and a Child

Quick action, early CPR, and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) helped police in western Quebec save two lives within just one month—highlighting the life-saving impact of proper emergency response training.

In mid-September, officers with the MRC des Collines responded to a medical emergency on l’If Road in La Pêche at approximately 6:00 p.m. A 68-year-old man was in cardio-respiratory arrest when police arrived. A neighbour and a nurse had already begun CPR, giving the victim a critical chance of survival.

Saving a Life with an AED

Police quickly took over resuscitation efforts and used an AED to deliver a life-saving shock. The man regained signs of life moments before paramedics arrived and was transported to a hospital in Wakefield for further treatment.

In a statement following the incident, police praised the coordinated response and wished the victim a speedy recovery.

A Similar Rescue Weeks Earlier

Just one month earlier, officers were among the first responders called to the Gatineau Park visitor centre in Chelsea. A two-year-old child had collapsed after complaining of stomach pain while playing with family members. The child was not breathing and had no pulse.

Police immediately used an AED before paramedics arrived. The child regained a pulse while en route to hospital, and his condition improved by the time he reached CHEO—once again demonstrating how fast CPR and AED use can make the difference between life and death.

These two emergencies were among the 13 times MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais police used defibrillators in 2018—surpassing the total number of uses recorded throughout all of 2017.

👉 You can read the full original news report from the Ottawa Citizen here: Police Use Defibrillator to Help Save a Senior and a Child

Why CPR and AED Training Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time, and survival often depends on early CPR and quick access to a defibrillator. Learning these skills empowers everyday people to Act confidently before emergency crews arrive.

Learn More About CPR and AEDs

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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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