For one Foxborough High School freshman soccer player, a cardiac emergency on the field during a recent high school soccer game could have had a tragic outcome if not for the quick actions of bystanders. Thanks to CPR, this young athlete is alive today, illustrating the critical importance of knowing how to perform this simple but life-saving skill.
The incident unfolded when Gavin Smith, 14, collapsed after colliding with another player. Two parents, one with medical training, as well as the school’s trainer, immediately recognized the urgency of the situation, according to WCVB NewsCenter 5, and CPR was started promptly before responders arrived on the scene to provide additional life-saving support. The rapid response made all the difference, underscoring why we must prioritize CPR education in our communities, especially for coaches, teachers, and students involved in sports.
For more about this heroic story, watch this report from WCVB.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that a cardiac emergency can happen anywhere, at any time, regardless of age. The American Heart Association is committed to raising awareness about CPR and ensuring that more people are trained and ready to act in an emergency. In fact, the Association’s goal is to double the survival rate from cardiac arrest by 2030. To make that happen, we need more people to learn CPR and help us achieve that goal.
We encourage everyone to get CPR certified, whether you’re a coach, parent, or community member. You never know when you might be in a position to save a life.
Click here to learn more.