Heroic Efforts by Athletic Trainer and Bystanders Revive Man at Basketball Game

This one hit close to home for us at Healthy Roster...  literally within-a-few-miles close to home. So, there was a heart-stopping moment at Olentangy Berlin High School in Delaware, Ohio, this week that underscored the critical importance of having trained medical professionals on site during athletic events.

During the national anthem before the OHSAA Division III girls basketball district semifinal game, a spectator suffered a heart attack, collapsing in the stands.

Quick actions followed, showcasing the expertise of those present, particularly Athletic Trainer Kelsey Newman.

According to Mark Nori, the head football coach who shared the details in a letter, the community effort led by Newman utilized an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive the man.

"It was truly a team effort," John Betz, Olentangy Berlin's athletic director, emphasized, praising Newman's "professionalism and heroic act under dire circumstances."

Newman, rushing to the scene, provided the AED to a bystander who administered it while another performed CPR, successfully restoring the man's pulse before first responders arrived.

This swift, coordinated response was critical in saving the man's life.

Olentangy Schools Superintendent Todd Meyer reflected on the incident, recognizing it as a vivid reminder of the unpredictability of emergencies and the necessity of preparedness.

"Kelsey’s calm head, quick thinking, and immediate action truly saved someone’s life."

The American Red Cross notes that the chances of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest decrease by up to 10% for every minute without defibrillation. 

Following the incident, the basketball game proceeded, and at halftime, it was shared that the man was scheduled for surgery but expected to make a complete recovery, a testament to the quick action and teamwork of those at Olentangy Berlin High School.