Man Electrocuted at Work Saved by Fast Action and CPR

A man’s life was saved after suffering a serious electrical accident at work, thanks to the quick thinking and immediate actions of his co-workers.

According to the Ottawa Paramedic Service, the man—who was in his 50s—was electrocuted while working on underground fuel-pumping equipment on Cyrville Road, north of Innes Road. The electrical shock caused him to go into sudden cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart suddenly stops pumping blood.

Realizing the severity of the situation, the man’s co-workers quickly shut off the electrical current and brought him safely to the surface. They immediately began CPR, providing continuous chest compressions until firefighters arrived. Paramedics reached the scene approximately two minutes later and continued advanced life-saving care, including defibrillation.

Thanks to the early CPR and rapid emergency response, the resuscitation effort was successful and the man’s heartbeat was restored.

This incident was originally reported by the Ottawa Citizen. You can read the full news story here:
👉 Man electrocuted, but fast action by co-workers saves him.

This incident clearly shows how critical bystander action is during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The first few minutes are vital. Immediate CPR helps keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and organs, while early defibrillation can restart a heart experiencing a life-threatening rhythm.

In this case, the co-workers’ ability to act quickly and confidently played a major role in saving a life. Proper training prepares people to respond effectively under pressure—whether at work, at home, or in public.

Learn CPR and Be Prepared to Help

Emergencies can happen without warning. Learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) gives you the skills and confidence to step in when every second counts.

These courses provide hands-on training designed to prepare everyday people to respond effectively in real emergencies.

For more information about CPR and AEDs, visit these trusted 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.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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