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When we think of heroes in the sports world, our minds often drift to the iconic players making game-winning shots, incredible goals, or last-second touchdowns. Yet, the real heroes can usually be found courtside or on the sidelines — not scoring points but saving lives.
A heart-stopping incident at a recent high school football game has once again brought attention to the pivotal role that Athletic Trainers play.
The incident underscores the fact that ATs are qualified healthcare providers, who are many times the difference between life and death.
In September, Beckman High School's football team was in the thick of a match against Azusa High. As spectators were watching the on-field action, an emergency unfolded on the sidelines.
Beckman's assistant coach, Jed Fernando, suddenly collapsed. As the frantic scene unraveled, three individuals jumped into action: Athletic Trainer Logan Post and his two students, Frederick Kweon and Owen Kelso.
The trio's rapid response turned out to be the most crucial play of the night. Post and Kweon immediately began CPR when they realized the coach had stopped breathing.
As Post administered chest compressions, Kelso ensured Kweon had a facemask handy for rescue breaths. The students rushed off and returned with an AED, and together the three managed to resuscitate Coach Fernando before the paramedics arrived.
Their efforts did not go unnoticed. The Tustin Unified School District Board of Education and the Santa Ana-Tustin Rotary both honored Post, Kweon, and Kelso for their life-saving actions.
Beckman's Principal, Dr. Donnie Rafter, rightly pointed out that the trio's intervention had indeed saved Coach Fernando's life.
"Witnessing a teacher and his students implement what they've learned in class to tangibly save a life is nothing short of amazing."
Logan Post, who has been with the district since 2013, expressed gratitude for the training and preparation that he and his students had received. The life-saving techniques they deployed that night had been repeatedly practiced in class.
"Emergency situations like these are something you hope never to encounter. But when they arise, you hope your training takes over. I'm immensely proud of Freddie and Owen. Applying such skills in a high-pressure situation is a challenge even for seasoned professionals."
The story of Coach Fernando, and the swift actions of Post, Kweon, and Kelso, paints a clear picture:
Athletic Trainers are invaluable assets to sports teams.
Not only are they equipped with specialized skills to address injuries, but they also possess the expertise to handle life-threatening situations. They ensure that players and staff have the best possible care during crucial moments.
Another example of why every school in the nation should have ATs and AEDs on hand.
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