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On January 3rd, Fairfield Warde High School Athletic Trainer Henry Petersen found himself in the middle of a life-or-death emergency — the kind he had trained for but hoped never to face.
During the first quarter of a freshman basketball game between Fairfield Warde and St. Joseph, longtime referee John Kolaj collapsed courtside.
“I heard a big thump, and our freshman coach shouted my name,” Petersen recalled. “When I got there, he had no pulse and was starting to turn blue.”
Petersen, alongside pediatric emergency PA Diana Poulsen Muller and lifeguard Maureen Cavanagh, jumped into action. Within 20 seconds of Kolaj’s fall, Petersen began CPR. When there was no response, he applied an AED, which delivered a life-saving shock.
“It’s something every Athletic Trainer is trained for, but I never thought I’d be doing it for real,” said Petersen, who’s been at Fairfield Warde for two years.
Kolaj, a 78-year-old Vietnam veteran and 49-year officiating veteran, later met with those who saved him.
“I feel good. Every day it gets better,” he said, crediting not just the care team but his “two feline nurses” for keeping him active.
Fairfield Warde’s swift, coordinated response has been praised statewide.
“Everything was perfectly executed,” said Athletic Director Gina DiGiacomo. “Any delay could’ve changed the outcome.”
Kolaj, now outfitted with a pacemaker, is on track to return to the court next season for his milestone 50th year.
“I’m just thankful it happened where it did,” Kolaj said. “If you’re healthy, still go get checked. You never know.”
Thanks to Petersen and a well-drilled emergency action plan, one official's life was saved — and a community was reminded of the critical role Athletic Trainers play. Read the full, detailed story here!
