In recent weeks, there have been some scary moments during several high school events. Both instances highlight the importance of having prompt and professional medical responders available when students face these life-threatening situations.
Sophomore Mason Ostrich, while attending play practice at a middle school, suffered a seizure, rendering him unresponsive.
Immediate assistance was given by Deryck Snyder, an Athletic Trainer with St. Luke's University Health Network, and Michael Ditty Jr., a volunteer softball coach.
Their quick thinking and rapid action in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation potentially saved Mason's life until paramedics arrived.
Mason's heartfelt gratitude was evident as he publicly thanked both men at a school board meeting, emphasizing the significance of their actions on that fateful day.
In Mississippi, Eric Johnson, a high school football player, faced a harrowing experience of his own.
As he came off the field during a game, he suddenly stumbled and lost consciousness.
"I was confused, and they rushed me into the back of an ambulance."
“We get out on the field trying to figure out what’s going on. Our Athletic Trainer was there immediately, so was Harrison Central’s and the EMTs. They handled everything professionally and at a very high rate of speed. They got everything taken care of pretty quickly and got him responsive and on an ambulance.”
Superintendent James Konrad of Pleasant Valley recognized the heroes in Mason's story, stating:
"Deryck Snyder and Michael Ditty selflessly made a split-second decision of a life and death nature.”
Both Mason and Eric's stories serve as poignant reminders of the unpredictable nature of life and the significance of having Athletic Trainers and other professional healthcare providers on hand to respond.
Mason's dad, Matthew, thanked everyone for their help:
"To both of you, as hard as I may try, I would never adequately express the amount of gratitude I have for you and how important the actions you guys took to save my boy. You guys are the definition of the word heroes."
Read more about Eric's story here. And Mason's here.