A Life Saved by CPR and AED Training

Quick thinking, proper training, and teamwork saved a life.

Nearly three months after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, 51-year-old John Turco was reunited with the people who helped save his life. The emotional meeting took place at Toronto City Hall during the city’s first-ever Safe City Day, an initiative that encourages residents to learn life-saving skills such as CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

“It’s emotional, to say the least,” Turco said, as he shook hands with the paramedics and bystanders who played a critical role in his survival. His story was originally reported by CBC News and highlights the real-world impact of CPR and AED training. You can read the full CBC article here:
👉 ‘It’s emotional, to say the least’: Toronto man meets paramedics who saved his life

A Sudden Collapse on the Court

On November 23, Turco was playing pickup basketball at Neil McNeil High School, where he also works as a physical education teacher. After more than an hour of play, a friend asked if he wanted to stay for one more game.

“I said, ‘Yeah sure, I’m good.’”

That moment is the last thing Turco remembers.

Shortly after scoring a basket, Turco collapsed without warning. His friend Gerald Rozario noticed him fall backward and immediately called for someone to dial 911, while another player ran to retrieve the school’s AED.

Immediate Action Made the Difference

Rozario and two other men began CPR right away. Although Rozario had taken a CPR course before, this was the first time he had ever needed to use those skills in a real-life emergency.

When they were unable to detect a pulse, they took the next critical step.

“We cut his shirt and used the defibrillator,” Rozario said.

Their fast response proved lifesaving. Survival rates can double when CPR is combined with early AED use within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.

Why CPR and AED Training Matters

Turco later shared that he may not be alive today if the people around him had not been trained in CPR and AED use. His experience is a powerful reminder that cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere—and that trained bystanders save lives.

If you want to be prepared to respond in an emergency, explore CPR and AED training courses in Winnipeg.

Learn How You Can Help Save a Life

CPR and AED training gives everyday people the confidence to act when seconds matter most. Whether you’re at work, at school, or in your community, your training could make the difference between life and death.

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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