Actress Saves Man’s Life After Cardiac Arrest at Toronto Gym

Trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before becoming a flight attendant, Jade immediately recognized how critical every second was. She knew that permanent brain damage—or death—can occur within four minutes without oxygen.

Without hesitation, she stepped in to help.

CPR and AED Use Made the Difference

Jade turned on the AED, attached the electrode pads, and delivered a shock. She then began chest compressions and continued CPR for approximately 10 minutes until paramedics arrived.

Early CPR and defibrillation can increase a person’s chance of survival by 75 per cent or more. In this case, those life-saving actions were the difference between life and death.

Zabrzycki later said he would not have survived if Jade had not intervened.

“I’m very grateful… oh my God,” he said. “If she wasn’t there… I don’t even want to think about it.”

A Life Changed Forever

Zabrzycki was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered two blocked arteries. He underwent emergency angioplasty, during which stents were inserted to restore blood flow to his heart. He had no prior knowledge of his heart condition and remembers only arriving at the gym and then waking up in the hospital.

Now recovering at home, he says the experience has changed his perspective entirely.

“It scares me,” he said, noting that he often worked out late at night when staffing was minimal. “Many times there’s no staff there… this is very dangerous.”

Questions About Emergency Preparedness

While GoodLife Fitness states that all staff are required to be CPR-C certified and trained in AED use, the company launched a full investigation into the incident. A spokesperson praised Jade as a hero and emphasized the importance of publicly accessible defibrillators.

Jade questioned why the training did not translate into action.

“It scares me because that could have been my father or a loved one,” she said. “The thought of people doing nothing, just staring, makes me really uneasy.”

This incident highlights an important reality: training must be paired with confidence and readiness to act.

For a full account of the incident and interviews with those involved, you can read the original CBC News article here:
👉 Actress who saved man’s life at gym says staff, bystanders did nothing

The Importance of CPR and AED Training

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere—at the gym, at work, or at home. Immediate CPR and AED use can double or even triple survival rates, yet many people hesitate due to fear or lack of proper training.

Learning CPR and how to use an AED gives everyday people the confidence to step in when seconds matter. Enrolling in a recognized CPR and AED training course can prepare you to act decisively during a life-threatening emergency.

Learn More

Being prepared can save a life. For additional information about CPR and AEDs, visit these trusted resources: