A 65-year old man has city staff at the Gus Ryder Pool and Health Club to thank for saving his life.

Six weeks ago, Paul Andaloro went into cardiac arrest while swimming at the Gus Ryder Pool in Etobicoke.

Club staff came to his aid and provided medical help. On Friday, he met with those who saved him to thank them.

Andalaro had been swimming at the Gus Ryder Pool for many years he thought it was all over on Jan. 18.

“I remember very little from that day. I’m just thrilled to see them again,” Andalaro said. “I owe them my life.”

Three lifeguards spotted him struggling. They performed CPR and used the on-site defibrillator. They were all thrilled to see him again.

“He looks so amazing,” one of the lifeguards said.

EMS commander Gayle Pollock said when a person is in cardiac arrest seconds count.

“Without CPR and defibrillations, fewer than five per cent of people who have a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive,” Pollock explained.

Lifeguard Kristy Blair tells me the on-site defibrillator made the difference.

“They’re definitely crucial to the survival rate. They make rescuing so much easier.”

Toronto EMS maintains 1,300 public-access units and so far this year they’ve helped save three lives.

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