A longtime Athletic Trainer in Kentucky was once again reminded why preparation, training, and emergency planning matter. During a junior varsity basketball game, Athletic Trainer Dean Geary responded to a medical emergency in the parking lot, where a woman had collapsed.
“Since the woman was doing CPR, I got the AED ready,” Geary said. “We got it on her and it did its thing of analyzing.”
The moment reflected decades of emergency response experience and the critical role Athletic Trainers play beyond the sidelines. District leaders emphasized that strong preparation made the difference.
“We have lots of safety protocols we put in place… to be prepared in the event of an emergency,” Superintendent Sara Crum said.
Experts note Athletic Trainers are often the “first line of defense” when sudden medical situations occur, reinforcing the importance of emergency action plans and accessible AEDs.
The woman was later reported to be breathing on her own and improving. For Geary, the recognition was simple.
“I did my job,” he said. “I did what I’ve been trained to do.”
This summary is based on reporting by Stephanie Kuzydym of the Louisville Courier Journal, who continues to highlight the lifesaving role of Athletic Trainers and the importance of sideline preparedness. Readers are encouraged to read her full article for the complete story and context!