A 13-year old boy in Nova Scotia who had a near encounter with death is a reminder to maintain the portable defibrillators. Several public buildings have an automated external defibrillator (AED) to save someone in a cardiac emergency.

Timely rescue

When Kenzie Lahey required on, the device was dead. It was 3 weeks ago when Kenzie was playing in a hockey tournament in Chester when he was struck in the chest with a puck. The young center collapsed to the ice.

Initially, the coaches believed that he had a seizure. A paramedic they knew came over who happened to be watching the game. Kenzie did not have a pulse and not breathing.

Edmonton first aid — Keddy continued CPR until an ambulance arrived with another defibrillator.

Paramedic Allan Keddy started CPR. As a doctor rushed over to help, Keddy called for the defibrillator in the rink to shock Kenzie’s heart. Unfortunately, the battery of the device was dead. Keddy continued CPR until an ambulance arrived with another defibrillator. With a single shock and few more chest compressions, Kenzie’s pulse was restored.

It was truly a miracle Kenzie to made it through the ordeal despite a delay with the defibrillator. It simply shows that defibrillators must be regularly maintained. When a life is on the line and the device is needed, it must be operational.

Do not be afraid

Keddy stated that the experience is a reminder to regularly maintain defibrillators. When a device is in place, it requires maintenance and quality assurance for them to function when needed.

The Eleanor Pew Morris Memorial Rink acquired the defibrillator 2 years ago after a hockey player died of a heart attack.

After Kenzie’s ordeal, the arena staff have the device serviced and the battery was recharged.

One should not hesitate to use a defibrillator. The device is easy to use and you simply must follow the instructions it provides. Enrolling in a CPR and AED course is a worthy investing that can help save lives.

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