N.S. man who suffered cardiac arrest at hockey rink shares safety message

John Guinan created a website to provide hockey teams with an action plan - in case of a cardiac event.

A Nova Scotia man whose life was saved in a hockey rink more than a year ago has launched a website to help people who find themselves in life-threatening situations.

John Guinan suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while playing hockey last year, blacking out as he moved around a net and crashing onto the ice.

“I felt fine and then suddenly I had essentially died,” Guinan said.

A former police officer and a first responder at the rink leapt into action, using first aid protocols and an automated external defibrillator to revive Guinan.

“These guys were prepared,” Guinan said. “I call it the three-pass play and because of that protocol I’m here talking to you today.”

Guinan says the three-pass play during a cardiac incident involves someone calling 911, someone performing CPR and someone using an AED.

He outlines these steps – and tells his story – on his new website, www.heartnhockey.ca.

“As a result of my good fortune, I felt I should give back,” he said.

Guinan is hopeful the three-pass play can be on display at the thousands of the ice surfaces across Canada.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page