When Reagan High School basketball player Kaeyel Moore collapsed during a practice last month, John Hirst and Joe Martinez didn't hesitate to act. The student's life was suddenly placed in their hands when Kaeyel collapsed.
The teen wasn’t breathing. His heart had stopped. Trainer Joseph Martinez started CPR while coach John Hirst retrieved a nearby Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Martinez and Hirst were able to save the boy’s life due to their training and knowledge of these tools. EMS transported Kaeyel to North Central Baptist Hospital’s pediatric ER where further cardiac care was provided, and today Kaeyel has made a full recovery.
On Wednesday, doctors, nurses and administration from North Central Baptist recognized and honored the Reagan High School coaching staff for their lifesaving efforts, knowledge and training.
According to the American Heart Association, each year approximately 6,300 children younger than 18 years of age experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The average age when Sudden Cardiac Death occurs in young athletes is 17.5 years of age. Although rare, cardiac arrest is still the leading cause of death in young athletes. While these numbers can seem scary, with education, training and quick action, the outcome can be miraculous.
