Quick thinking restarts
heart
AberdeenNews.com
April 8th, 2005
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - High school coaches know how
important training is, even off the field. Lincoln
High School football coach Aaron Beavers was reminded
this week how it can save lives.
Beavers put his training on CPR and how to use a
defibrillator to use Tuesday night, when junior Jake
Wampler collapsed after an offseason workout.
Beavers was called outside and noticed that Jake
was not breathing. He checked the student's pulse,
found none, and started mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
while another coach did chest compressions. A third
teacher got the school's defibrillator, which administers
an electric shock to start a heart beating again.
The coaches and teacher used the defibrillator once
before EMTs arrived, Beavers said.
Wampler was rushed to Avera McKennan Hospital, where
he was in the intensive care unit Thursday evening.
Hospital officials would not comment on his condition.
The school staff's quick thinking may have saved
Wampler's life.
"From my understanding, the things that were
done were very, very important for where his status
is now," Beavers said.
Wampler plays defensive back, linebacker and wide
receiver for the Patriots, as well as basketball.
The team was finishing a speed and agility workout
when Wampler sat down, saying he wasn't feeling well,
Beavers said.
Other coaches at the practice said Wampler showed
no signs of fatigue during the practice, and led sprints
during the workout, he said.
The school district purchased 50 defibrillators last
year for its schools. Beavers is thankful both for
his CPR training and the defibrillator, though he
hopes he never has to deal with a similar situation.
"No one ever wants to use it," he said.
"I hope to God I never have to use it again."
Information from: Argus Leader |
