Automatic external defibrillators needed in public places, say paramedics

OTTAWA — Ottawa paramedics are calling for automatic external defibrillators to be made available at public places after two incidents involving hockey players Tuesday night.

In one case, a man died where no defibrillator was available but another man lived after his heart was shocked with the device.

Staff at the Tom Brown Arena started CPR and shocked the heart of a 52-year-old man who collapsed while playing hockey. Paramedics took him to hospital where he's recovering.

A 38-year-old man who was playing ball hockey at a school gym died after having a heart attack, despite a bystander performing CPR.

Paramedics say no automatic external defibrillator was available at his location.

The devices are available at all City of Ottawa recreational facilities.

Paramedic Supt. Paul Morneau says the device's advanced technology makes it relatively easy for the public to perform early CPR and defibrillation.