Athletic Trainer’s Fast Response Helps Save Referee at Basketball Game

A routine Saturday girls’ basketball matchup between Cathedral Prep and Warren JFK quickly turned urgent when a male referee collapsed on the court.

Thanks to the rapid response of Cathedral Prep Athletic Trainer Anthony Fuhrman and his on-site team, the official received immediate stabilization and lifesaving AED intervention before paramedics arrived.

According to Fuhrman, preparedness made all the difference.

“We have AEDs multiple on-site. One stationary, one upstairs and one that travels with me,” he said. “I bring it out to the court, to the field—wherever I go—for instances like this because they are so unpredictable. Speed is of the essence when you’re dealing with situations like this. Whether it’s a stopped heart or a heart that’s beating irregularly, you want to get it back on a base, so the quicker you can get onto it, the better.”

After Fuhrman and staff delivered rapid care, the referee was alert when emergency responders transported him to the hospital. While his long-term condition is still unknown, early reports indicate he was doing well as of Monday morning. The game later resumed after the incident.

Fuhrman brings a unique background to his role at Cathedral Prep. A retired Army veteran, he returned to school to pursue Athletic Training and later earned additional certifications in performance enhancement and strength and conditioning coaching.

His commitment to preparation and emergency readiness reflects both his military training and his dedication to protecting athletes, officials, and everyone on the court.

Saturday’s incident serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role Athletic Trainers play in emergency situations.

Their training, equipment management, and rapid decision-making can mean the difference between life and death—something Fuhrman demonstrated when it mattered most.

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