Actress Who Saved Man’s Life at Gym Says Staff, Bystanders Did Nothing

A Toronto actress is being praised as a hero after stepping in to save a man’s life during a cardiac arrest at a west-end gym—an emergency she says unfolded while staff and bystanders failed to act.

The incident happened on January 13 at a GoodLife Fitness location near Bloor Street West and Islington Avenue. Alex Jade, 29, was working out late that evening when she noticed a man collapsed on the gym floor.

Critical Moments During Cardiac Arrest

Jade recalled seeing a staff member approach the unresponsive man while carrying an automated external defibrillator (AED). However, instead of activating the device, the staff member placed it down and stepped back.

“He was on the ground, his face was blue and his eyes were rolled back,” Jade said in an interview with CBC News. “The staff member put down the defibrillator and didn’t even turn it on.”

Recognizing the clear signs of cardiac arrest, Jade immediately intervened.

CPR Training Made the Difference

Before becoming a flight attendant, Jade received CPR training and understood that permanent brain damage can begin within four minutes without oxygen. Acting quickly, she turned on the AED, attached the electrode pads, delivered a shock, and began chest compressions.

She continued CPR for approximately 10 minutes until paramedics arrived.

Medical experts emphasize that early CPR and defibrillation can increase survival rates by up to 75 percent, making immediate action critical during cardiac emergencies.

A Life Saved

The man, later identified as 51-year-old Jaroslaw Zabrzycki, credits Jade with saving his life.

“I would have died if she hadn’t helped me,” he said. “If she wasn’t there, I don’t even want to think about it.”

Zabrzycki was taken to hospital, where doctors discovered two blocked arteries. He underwent angioplasty, during which stents were inserted to restore blood flow to his heart. He had no prior knowledge of having a heart condition.

He later told CBC that he often worked out late at night when staffing levels were low, raising concerns about safety during off-peak hours.

You can read the full original CBC News report here:
👉 Actress who saved man’s life at gym says staff, bystanders did nothing

Questions About Emergency Preparedness

While GoodLife Fitness states that all staff are CPR-C certified and trained in AED use, Jade questioned why no one else stepped in.

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

GoodLife’s manager of critical response praised Jade as a hero and confirmed that an internal investigation was underway. He also encouraged more members of the public to learn CPR and AED skills.

Why CPR and AED Training Matters

This incident highlights a critical reality: training only saves lives when people act. Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and bystanders are often the first—and only—chance a victim has.

Learning CPR and AED skills through professional training, such as CPR and AED courses offered by Winnipeg First Aid , helps ensure more people are prepared to respond confidently when seconds matter.

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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