Media Advisory: Heart & Stroke to mark World Restart a Heart Day by teaching Swift Current students how to save a life

CPR education for kids builds a new generation of life savers

SWIFT CURRENT, SK, Oct. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Heart & Stroke is building the next generation of life savers by teaching Swift Current students how to do CPR and use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) at a hands-on event that underscores the importance of lifesaving education in Saskatchewan schools.

"When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts. Having more people who know what to do during a cardiac arrest emergency can mean the difference between life and death," says Carolyn Cyr, Saskatchewan director of health policy and systems at Heart & Stroke. "Here in Saskatchewan, we are advocating for CPR education to be a standard part of school curriculum so that every student can gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to respond to a cardiac arrest emergency and save a life."

Heart & Stroke is pleased to work with the provincial government to identify and act on opportunities to increase access to CPR education in Saskatchewan schools.

"CPR education is more than a skill, it's a foundation for safety, responsibility and compassion," says Education Minister Everett Hindley. "I want to thank the school divisions that have led the way in offering this training. Their leadership is helping build safer schools and a culture of care throughout Saskatchewan communities."

A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, and can happen to anyone, at any time, at any place, and often without any warning. An estimated 60,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital setting each year in Canada. Survival rates are extremely low with only 1 in 10 people who experience a cardiac arrest out of hospital surviving. Doing CPR and using an AED can double a person's chance of survival.

Heart & Stroke is grateful to schools like École Centennial who are leading the way and contributing to healthier and safer communities by offering their Grade 8 students the opportunity to learn CPR.

"This is a powerful way to help support students' leadership skills to think about how they can respond to situations in critical moments. It is empowering for students to know that they can help someone in an emergency. Our school was eager to host this event because we believe in helping students learn practical skills that build confidence and can save lives," says Mark Reiter, principal at École Centennial.

Last Christmas Eve, Jory Meyer, of Swift Current, almost lost his dad to a cardiac arrest after he collapsed in the snow during a walk with his grandson. Thanks to Jory's quick action of calling 9-1-1 and starting CPR, his dad survived.

"When Dad had his cardiac arrest, it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. Despite the panic I felt internally, something took over," Meyer says. "My hands just started moving. I began CPR, and it wasn't because I felt calm, it was because my training had prepared me for this exact moment. I'm so thankful I had that training, and I'll always encourage others to get it. You hope you'll never need it, but if you do, it could save a life."

Heart & Stroke is committed to improving cardiac arrest survival rates and outcomes across Canada and is leading the development of a national cardiac arrest strategy and action plan, which includes acting on opportunities to improve access to CPR education and AEDs.

MEDIA INVITE:

WHAT: Heart & Stroke will be equipping students in Swift Current with essential CPR and AED experience through a hands-on event designed to foster lifesaving skills and preparedness in cardiac arrest.

WHERE: École Centennial School, 2220 Woodrow Lloyd Place, Swift Current, SK S9H 5R2

WHEN: Oct. 15, 2025, 12:40 p.m. to 2 p.m.

• 12:40 p.m.: Students arrive
• 12:45 p.m. to 1 p.m.: Opening remarks  
• 1 p.m. to 1: 50 p.m.: Grade 8 students participate in CardiacCrash CPR Education program
• 1:50 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Interview opportunities

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS:

• Minister of Education Hon. Everett Hindley
• Heart & Stroke Director of Health Policy & Systems, SK, Carolyn Cyr
• Person with lived experience, Jory Meyer 
• Ecole Centennial School students
• Principal Mark Reiter and Vice Principal Chris Siemens

About Heart & Stroke
Life. We don't want you to miss it. That's why Heart & Stroke has been leading the fight to beat heart disease and stroke for more than 70 years. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so Canadians don't miss out on precious moments. Together, with the generous support of our donors, partners and volunteers we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy. heartandstroke.ca @heartandstroke

SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation

Contact Information: Natalie Lian, [email protected], 416-386-4708