MRU heroes recognized by AHS
Rec staff honoured for saving man who had heart attack on campus
Nathan Ross
Web Editor
On Jan. 24, six heroes who saved a man’s life were honoured.
Ayaz Kara suffered cardiac arrest on Jan. 9 when using the Mount Royal Recreation facilities. Starting to feel the effects of cardiac arrest while playing squash, Kara left early.
Instead of ending up a tragic story on campus, a team of six Rec employees worked together to save Kara’s life.
“I went up to the almighty, and he said it’s not your time. And it’s because you guys,” Kara said at the conference.
Alberta Health Services hosted the conference to honour Bjorn Billehaug, Michael Dubnyk, Simone Foster, Paul Hunka, Terry Klan and Mike Skinner. Each played a role in Kara’s rescue, from performing CPR to crowd control.
Dubnyk responded first when Kara collapsed in the locker room, and performed CPR while calling for help. Billehaug grabbed the AED, automated external defribulator, and with assistance from Hunka used it to bring back Kara. While Foster called 911, Skinner joined Billehaug and Hunka in the locker room. While this was all happening, Klan took care of the crowd.
Without all six performing their tasks efficiently, Kara likely would have died.
“It’s a great moment to be here talking to you guys. When all the things started happening. Basically, I’m glad to be alive,” said Kara.
Kara and his family have since donated five AEDs to Mount Royal University.
