Sept. 26, 2025 9a
(WGTD)---The decision by schools and other institutions to invest in automatic external defibrillators is paying off.
At UW-Parkside earlier this month, a referee suffered a heart attack and collapsed on a soccer field.
Players and staff members rushed to help and brought an A-E-D to the scene. Parkside Athletic Trainer Kaela Johnson began performing CPR then used the device to bring the referee’s heart back to a normal rhythm.
Kenosha Fire Department paramedics soon arrived and took the man to the hospital. Deputy Chief Scott Krueger complemented those involved in the life-saving effort, noting in a news release that early recognition, chest compressions and rapid defibrillation are keys to survival.
Not all AED by lay people are successful. This past summer, an AED was used on a Parkside staff member who suffered a heart attack while at work. Co-workers were able to stabilize the man so he could be transported to the hospital, according to the news release. The man, however, passed away, but not before his family was able to reach his bedside.,
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