Two Okanagan teachers helped save the life of a student by using CPR and AED. They helped save a student who went into cardiac arrest during gym class.
The South Okanagan Secondary School teachers Steve Podomorow and Mike Russo resuscitated the 13-year old Dilshaan Dhaliwal with CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Rapid action
During a joint gym class with Russo’s Grade 8 class and Podomorow’s senior class, Dhaliwal collapsed after a 12 minute run. The Grade 8 student just handed in his running results to Russo and was walking past Podomorow when he went into cardiac arrest.
As a first aid person at the school, Russo quickly checked him out and called 911 and started the CPR process. The 911 dispatcher stayed on the line, helping throughout the process. It was around 2-3 minutes when CPR was started and followed by an AED. It is estimated that he performed CPR for about 8 or 9 minutes. Dhaliwal was later flown to the B.C. Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Timely intervention
The prompt delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an AED can help save lives. These important life-saving techniques can significantly improve the chances of survival.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a first aid and CPR course and for more information, check out these sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/cpr
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600