Quick-Thinking Saskatoon Dealership Staff Save Co-Worker’s Life With an AED

Access to lifesaving equipment and calm, decisive action made the difference between life and death for a Saskatoon man.

A 65-year-old employee at Wheaton GMC Buick Cadillac is alive today thanks to the quick response of his co-workers and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at their workplace. The incident, which occurred on March 31, highlights the critical importance of CPR knowledge and accessible AEDs in everyday work environments.

This powerful real-life event was originally reported by CBC News. You can read the full original coverage here:
👉 Quick-thinking car dealership staff save co-worker with AED

A Medical Emergency at Work

Ted Brown, a staff member at the dealership, suddenly went into cardiac arrest while on the job. His co-workers immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. Without hesitation, they began CPR and called 911.

While emergency services were on the way, employees retrieved the company’s AED and applied it to Ted, following the device’s clear, step-by-step instructions. Their fast actions helped restore a heart rhythm and keep him alive until paramedics arrived.

One of the employees who stepped in, Myron Knihnitski, admitted he had never used a defibrillator before.

“I had no experience with a defibrillator, and there was another employee who had training but had never used one,” he said. “I thought, we’ve got nothing to lose. Let’s put the pads on and start.”

That decision proved lifesaving.

Ted was rushed to hospital in serious condition but has since made a recovery.

Gratitude From Family and a Message for Businesses

Ted’s wife, Brenda Brown, credits the dealership staff with saving her husband’s life and hopes other businesses learn from their experience.

“I’m just so thankful,” she said. “I’m thankful to the gentlemen at Wheaton’s. I’m thankful to the business. And to anyone who doesn’t have an AED — get one. If you do have one, know where it is and know how to use it.”

Her words reinforce a critical point: owning an AED is only part of being prepared. Employees must also know where it’s located and feel confident using it in an emergency.

AEDs Are Saving Lives in Saskatchewan

According to MD Ambulance, this incident was one of several recent cardiac emergencies where AED access played a key role. The dealership is part of the Saskatoon Heart Safe Program, a community-based initiative focused on improving survival outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest.

In another recent case, a Saskatoon man was treated with an AED after collapsing during a hockey game at Schroh Arena. MD Ambulance reports that five lives were saved in just six months, and 16 people are alive today because local businesses invested in AEDs.

Why CPR and AED Training Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere — at work, at home, or in public spaces. Survival depends on immediate action. Early CPR combined with rapid defibrillation can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

Stories like this show that you don’t need to be a healthcare professional to save a life. With proper training and access to an AED, everyday people can respond confidently when seconds matter most.

If you’re interested in learning how to respond during a cardiac emergency, enrolling in a CPR and AED training course is one of the most effective ways to prepare.

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.

👉 [View full credentials]🔗 View LinkedIn Profile

Last reviewed: March 2026

Serving Winnipeg and south Manitoba with the cheapest priced, highest quality first aid training, CPR and food safety courses since 2012 with a commitment to providing the best classes to Canadians.