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You know we love to cover all the stories on how Athletic Trainers are saving lives. But how rare is it to see others saving the life of an AT? And this story goes to prove how necessary it is for Athletic Trainers to be there to educate those around them!
Enter Mike Quinn, an AT whose brush with death on a soccer field turned into a life-affirming crusade.
Quinn, leading his daughter's soccer team, collapsed mid-run due to a heart attack.
Yet, it was his own foresight to educate his community on emergency protocols — just weeks before — that made the difference between life and death.
Athletic Trainers are often the first responders when the unthinkable happens, blending their expertise with instinct to act decisively.
His daughter's team, armed with their recent CPR training and knowledge of AED operation, leaped into action!
Quinn's experience is a reminder that lifesaving skills should not be reserved for the few. When the team's assistant coach, Travis Little, and others employed their training to aid Quinn, it underscored an essential truth: anyone can be a hero with the right knowledge.
Quinn's story didn't end there. When he returned to health, he developed a passionate advocacy for CPR and AED education. He's been working with the Matthew Mangine Foundation and local businesses, transforming his gratitude into a mission to equip others with the courage to save lives.
His message is straightforward: don't wait.
Learn CPR, understand how to use an AED, and step up when crisis strikes. Quinn's ordeal has catalyzed a significant shift in his community, leading to heart screenings and CPR training for hundreds — a cascade effect emanating from one man's near-fatal day.
Quinn's story is profound. Athletic Trainers are the linchpins of sports health safety, but they also serve as educators and advocates for emergency preparedness.
And his journey illustrates a powerful point: knowledge is power, but the will to act is equally potent.
Athletic Trainers are accustomed to acting quickly and decisively in emergency situations. But with training and advocacy, everyone has the potential to be a lifesaver in the moments that matter most.
