Student’s Near-Death Experience Sparks Mandatory CPR Training

Student’s Near-Death Experience Leads to Mandatory CPR Training at Montreal School

A life-threatening medical emergency has led to meaningful change at Montreal’s St. George’s School, where CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training is now mandatory for students.

On April 18, a group of Grade 11 students became the first to receive formal CPR and AED instruction—introduced two years after a fellow student collapsed during a school baseball game. The incident highlighted how quickly a routine activity can turn into a medical emergency and how critical immediate response can be.

The initiative was made possible through the Robert Sibthorpe and Benjamin Silverman First Responders Fund, created after a real-life cardiac arrest on the field. Gary Silverman established the fund following his son Benjamin’s collapse during a semifinal baseball game. In that moment, another parent, Robert Sibthorpe, quickly began CPR, restoring Benjamin’s pulse and helping save his life before emergency responders arrived.

“We felt this was an opportunity to teach every kid that they could make a difference and save someone’s life,” Silverman said.

Medical experts stress that during cardiac arrest, survival rates drop by approximately 10 percent for every minute CPR is delayed. Bystander CPR and early AED use are often the deciding factors in survival—especially in schools, sports facilities, and public spaces where emergencies can happen without warning.

By making CPR and AED training mandatory, St. George’s School is ensuring students graduate with practical, life-saving skills they can carry into adulthood. The program also serves as a reminder that emergencies don’t wait for professionals—and that everyday people can make the difference.

You can read the full original story from Global News here:
👉 Student’s near-death experience prompts Montreal school to implement mandatory CPR training

Learn CPR and Be Ready to Act

Stories like this highlight why CPR training matters. Whether at school, work, or in the community, knowing how to respond during a cardiac emergency can save a life.

If you want to be prepared, consider enrolling in professional CPR and AED training through Winnipeg First Aid’s CPR courses.

Certified training gives individuals the confidence to act quickly when seconds count—turning bystanders into lifesavers.

For more information about CPR and AEDs, visit these trusted resources:

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.