Absolutely Perfect Timing” Saves Woman After Cardiac Arrest in Kingsville Restaurant

Heather Halstead knows she would not be alive today if not for a rare combination of perfect timing, quick thinking, and lifesaving CPR.

On May 27, Heather Halstead collapsed suddenly while delivering bread at Roseabelle’s restaurant in Kingsville. What could have been a fatal moment instead became a powerful example of how bystander CPR and rapid emergency response save lives.

Halstead later described herself as having been “dead” when her heart stopped. What made the difference was where she was — not alone at home or driving — but inside a busy restaurant where trained help was immediately available.

Two veteran hospital nurses, Laurie Callander of Cottam and Joanne Shuttleworth of Woodstock, happened to be meeting at the restaurant at the exact moment Halstead collapsed. They quickly directed bystanders to call 911 and began assessing her condition.

Although a pulse was initially detected, Halstead’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Her heart stopped beating and she went into respiratory distress. Without hesitation, the nurses began CPR, keeping oxygen flowing to her brain and preventing permanent damage.

Just across the street, Essex-Windsor EMS paramedics arrived within minutes. Using a defibrillator, they delivered a shock that restored Halstead’s heart rhythm. She began breathing again shortly afterward and continued to improve on the way to hospital.

A 30-year EMS veteran later described the incident as “a perfect storm of everything coming together,” pointing to Halstead’s age, the presence of trained bystanders, and the extremely fast emergency response.

Because of those combined efforts, Halstead went on to celebrate her 50th birthday and her 25th wedding anniversary — milestones she says would not have been possible without immediate CPR and defibrillation.

Stories like this highlight why CPR and AED knowledge is so important. Learning how to respond in a cardiac emergency can make the difference between life and death. To build these lifesaving skills, consider enrolling in certified CPR and AED training courses through Winnipeg First Aid.

Halstead was later diagnosed with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, a rare and dangerous heart rhythm disorder. Doctors implanted an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which later shocked her heart back into rhythm during another cardiac arrest at home — saving her life once again.

Today, Halstead’s condition is stable, and she hopes to return to her bread delivery work.

👉 This article is based on reporting originally published by the Windsor Star. You can read the full original story here:
👉 Absolutely perfect timing saves woman who

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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