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In a profession where preparation meets unpredictable reality, UConn Institute of Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer Kyia Barnett proved just how critical that readiness can be.
During an evening practice at Bloomfield High School, Barnett received a frantic call: a man had collapsed on the track, and 911 had been called.
Without hesitation, Barnett sprinted to the scene, equipped with her medical bag and AED. She found an unresponsive man with no pulse and immediately began CPR.
“It’s almost like second nature to hyperfocus in emergencies,” Barnett said. “In our line of work, it’s uncommon to deal with cardiac arrest, and we also hope to never see it—even though we have been intensely trained and prepared for it since day one.”
Barnett performed several rounds of chest compressions before EMS arrived. Her swift, skilled intervention helped paramedics regain a pulse and transport the man to the hospital, where he is now recovering.
For her heroic actions, Barnett received the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) President’s Award.
“There is no question that Kyia exemplifies excellence,” said Anne Horbatuck, Vice President of Ambulatory Services at UConn Medical Group.
“It is a blessing and honor to receive this award,” Barnett said. “Our skills, responsiveness, and assets are extremely vital to athletic departments, as well as communities.”
Her director, Christopher Watkins, summed it up best:
“Her calm under pressure, unwavering focus, and precise execution are the very embodiment of what it means to be an Athletic Trainer.”
For Barnett, the recognition is secondary.
“I’ve put so much hard work, education, dedication, love, and compassion into being an Athletic Trainer,” she said. “And I would not trade it for the world.”
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