Early last month, a Mt. Carmel High School coach collapsed just minutes before football practice. Another coach quickly started CPR and directed nearby student athletes to call 911, retrieve an AED device, and bring other coaches to assist. Two coaches and the campus’ Athletic Trainer took over CPR compressions until EMS arrived and thankfully, EMS was able to revive the coach and transport him to the hospital for further care.
Because of the proper CPR/AED training, Emergency Action Plan practice, and quick action of MCHS’s coaching staff and students, that coach is alive and recovering today. PUSD extends its utmost gratitude to the MC Football coaches and student athletes who displayed exemplary heroics that day.
Over the past two years, multiple district office teams have collaborated on procuring AEDs, placing them strategically across our schools and offices, and training staff how to use them. This incident is a powerful reminder of why that preparation matters. It’s also a testament to the care and responsiveness of our staff and students.
In recognition of this coach’s inspirational story and in an effort to give back in their personal lives, Mt. Carmel High’s Varsity football team will train in hands-only CPR this October. The MCHS Heart Health Club is also helping to facilitate this training and share other heart health resources on campus and throughout the community.