On 7 April 2025, an operator at our Wyszków plant suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while working near the hot-air ovens. Within 90 seconds a colleague spotted him unconscious on the floor. What followed was a textbook emergency response:

1. 15 seconds – shift leader Michał Rytelewski reached the scene, began CPR, and directed the rescue.

2. 2½ minutes – Rafał Gierek arrived with the site’s automated external defibrillator (AED). The device analyzed the heart rhythm and delivered a life-saving shock.

3. 19 minutes – paramedics transported the operator to hospital; he is now home and recuperating.

Other team members – Marcin Bryczyński, Jarosław Chimkowski, Dominik Kolczyński, Kamil Orłowski, and Joanna Tarnażewska – handled CPR rotations, called emergency services, and guided medics to the exact spot. Their speed and preparation turned a critical event into a success story.

Why AEDs matter

During sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without defibrillation cuts survival odds by about 10%. AEDs are designed for non-medical users: once the pads are attached, the unit determines if a shock is needed and gives clear voice prompts. That simplicity, combined with regular drills, saved our colleague’s life.

Next steps for every location

1. Check availability: does your plant or office have at least one AED in an accessible area?

2. Train and drill: make sure first responders and backup volunteers practice CPR and AED use.

3. Reach out: if you need help sourcing an AED or setting up training, contact your Corporate EHS representative(

   1. Americas – Jose Esquivel jesquivel@tifs.com

   2. APAC – Zhou Zheng zzheng@tifs.com

   3. EMEA – Joanne Evans jevans@tifs.com

The Wyszków rescue shows what preparation can achieve. Let’s make sure every TI Automotive site is equally ready.