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At Spanish Fork High School in Utah, the life-saving actions of two student-athletes highlight the profound impact that Athletic Trainers can have beyond the field.
During a recent cross-country meet, 16-year-old PJ Merrill and 17-year-old Traven Elquist sprang into action when Farris Child, a 49-year-old father of five who was there to see his son compete, suddenly collapsed from a massive heart attack.
As onlookers froze in shock, Merrill and Elquist relied on the life-saving skills they had learned from their Athletic Trainer, Rory Eyring. Merrill recalled:
“I see this guy on the floor gasping for air. I roll him over, ‘Hey I think he went into cardiac arrest, everyone give me room.’”
As Merrill began CPR, Elquist quickly called 911, ensuring emergency services were on their way.
The training the students received from Eyring proved critical. Merrill’s quick actions, guided by the CPR techniques he learned in class, revived Child, who began gasping for air after initially showing no pulse.
Eyring, who arrived with a defibrillator, praised the students’ response.
“Every second matters as to know what to do. No doubt in my mind if they would have waited any longer it could have been a different outcome.”
This incident underscores the essential role Athletic Trainers play in educating students on emergency response.
By equipping students with these skills, Athletic Trainers ensure that more lives can be saved, even when they themselves are not present.
As Deeanna Child, the wife of the man whose life was saved, emotionally stated:
“They’re amazing. He had died. His heart had stopped, and they brought him back.”
Read or watch the news report on the full story here!
