Miramichi Man Credits AED With Saving His Life
A New Brunswick man is alive today thanks to quick-thinking bystanders and immediate access to a lifesaving automated external defibrillator (AED).
Eugene Manuel, 46, was competing in a fitness challenge at his local gym in Miramichi on July 11 when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest. Without warning, his heart stopped beating and he collapsed during the event.
People at the gym acted immediately. Bystanders began CPR while others rushed to retrieve an AED located next door at a Tim Hortons. Using the device, they were able to deliver a shock and successfully restart Manuel’s heart before emergency crews arrived.
A Life Saved by Preparedness
The AED used in the rescue had been installed in memory of local resident Pat O’Kane, who died six years earlier after suffering a cardiac arrest in downtown Miramichi—at a time when no defibrillator was available nearby. That decision to place an AED in the area directly contributed to saving Manuel’s life.
In a remarkable coincidence, Pat O’Kane’s daughter, Cailin O’Kane, was also competing in the same fitness challenge when Manuel collapsed. The incident highlights how sudden cardiac emergencies can strike anywhere and how vital community preparedness truly is.
According to the original CBC News report, Ambulance New Brunswick later held an event with Manuel to thank and recognize everyone whose quick response and use of the AED helped save his life.
👉 Read the full CBC News article here: Miramichi man credits AED with saving his life
Why CPR and AED Training Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur in gyms, workplaces, schools, and public spaces. Survival depends heavily on immediate CPR and early defibrillation. This incident reinforces the importance of learning these skills through proper training, such as CPR and AED courses offered by Winnipeg First Aid.
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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