Athletic Trainers prepare for emergencies hoping they never happen. For Winslow High School Athletic Trainer Lindsey Perkins, that preparation recently made the difference between life and death.
Perkins quickly responded when play stopped and began assessing Alley. As she asked questions about chest pain, arm pain, and other symptoms, his answers immediately raised concerns.
"He answered all the questions with the wrong answers," Perkins said. "That kind of triggered some red flags for me."
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Perkins quietly instructed Winslow Athletic Director Jim Bourgoin to call emergency medical services while she escorted Alley away from the field.
Moments later, Alley lost his pulse.
Perkins immediately began CPR and retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) that was readily available on campus. Working alongside other healthcare professionals who stepped in to assist, she used the AED and chest compressions to restore Alley's heartbeat before paramedics arrived.
Doctors later determined that a blood clot had blocked 90% of an artery, causing the heart attack. After receiving treatment and a stent procedure, Alley made a full recovery and has already returned to umpiring.
The incident highlights the critical role Athletic Trainers play in emergency response. While many people associate Athletic Trainers with injury prevention, taping, and rehabilitation, they are often the first healthcare professionals available when a life-threatening emergency occurs.
This fall, Maine schools will be required to have AEDs and trained personnel available on campus. For Alley and his family, the importance of that preparation is undeniable.
Just weeks after the incident, Alley returned to Winslow High School, where he was able to personally thank Perkins for saving his life.
Their reunion served as a powerful reminder that emergency preparedness, CPR training, AED access, and the presence of Athletic Trainers can make all the difference when seconds matter. Check out the full story here!
Athletic Trainers are often the first healthcare professionals to respond during cardiac emergencies, making CPR training, AED access, and emergency preparedness critical components of athlete and spectator safety.
AEDs can restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest and significantly improve survival rates when used quickly.
Athletic Trainers are often the first healthcare professionals on site and are trained to recognize emergencies, initiate CPR, use AEDs, and coordinate emergency response efforts.
An Emergency Action Plan should identify emergency personnel, AED locations, communication procedures, EMS access points, and response responsibilities.
Best practices recommend that an AED be accessible and applied within minutes of a cardiac emergency to maximize survival outcomes.