AT Saves Student's Life: 'We're Family Now...'

On December 11, 2023, what began as a routine day in the Sky View High School training room in Smithfield, Utah, quickly turned into a life-or-death situation.

Dean Phillips, a 16-year-old student, collapsed while lifting weights with his friends, prompting his peers to seek immediate help from Curtis Cazier, the school’s Certified Athletic Trainer.

Cazier, trained regularly for emergency situations, sprang into action when he arrived at the weight room to find Dean unresponsive and without a pulse.

"I thought Dean might just be joking around, but when I saw he wasn’t breathing and had no pulse, I knew it was serious."

Realizing Phillips was in cardiac arrest, Cazier initiated CPR while sending a friend to retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED delivered a shock, followed by more compressions, as Cazier monitored the situation.

Cazier detailed the intense but brief moments that ultimately saved Dean’s life:

“The AED guided me through it. By the time it was ready to analyze again, EMS arrived."

Dean’s recovery has been remarkable. By June 2024, he was cleared to play football after months of physical and mental work to regain his strength.

"He’s worked his tail off, both physically and mentally. It’s not common for a high schooler to face something like this and come back."

Cazier’s connection with the Phillips family has grown deeper.

“I told Dean in the hospital, ‘We’re family now.’”

Their bond is evident, with Dean often visiting Cazier in the training room and expressing his gratitude.

"He recently told me I’m his favorite person at Sky View. I’ll take that."

The Phillips family has since worked to raise awareness for Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS), designating September as SADS Awareness Month. In a heartfelt gesture, Dean’s mother, Amy Phillips, organized a tribute at the 62nd Sky View-Logan football game.

The event included a Life Flight helicopter landing before kickoff, with Cazier disembarking to deliver the game ball, honoring those who played crucial roles in saving Dean’s life that December day.

Reflecting on the importance of certified athletic trainers, Cazier encouraged families to build relationships with them:

“We’re here for more than just emergencies. We’re here to help in all aspects.”

Thanks to Cazier’s swift response and his training supported by Intermountain Health, Dean Phillips is back on the field, and his story has become a testament to the life-saving impact of having Athletic Trainers in schools.

Check out the full story here!