SARC staff receive thanks after reviving collapsed skater

March 5, 2014 · 0 Comments

On Friday, Edwin Jackson was able to give thanks in person to staff at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC) for saving his life after collapsing at the centre on February 21.

According to the Town, Mr. Jackson collapsed at around 3.10 that afternoon while playing hockey at the rink.

“Teammates trained in CPR went to Mr. Jackson’s assistance, started compressions and retrieved the Automated External Defibrillator (AED),” said Michael Kemp, Manager of Corporate Communications for the Town of Aurora. “Town staff also came to Mr. Jackson’s assistance and took over doing CPR using the AED.

“Minutes after administering CPR and the AED, Mr. Jackson regained consciousness and was breathing. Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and transported Mr. Jackson to Southlake.”

He was well enough to return to the SARC on Friday afternoon to thank those who had played a crucial role in saving his life, including aquatic programmer Greg Peri, deck supervisor Oliver Koh, acting youth coordinator Franco DeMarco, and lifeguard Andrew Racine.

The defibrillator was donated to the SARC by the Mikey Network.

Pictured above, left to right, are Parks and Recreation Director Al Downey, Aurora CAO Neil Garbe, Oliver Koh, Edwin Jackson, Greg Peri, Councillor Michael Thompson, Andrew Racine, and Franco DeMarco.