In the dynamic realm of high school sports, moments of crisis often unveil the true nature of those on the sidelines. Laura Smith, an esteemed athletic trainer at Widefield High School, recently found herself at the forefront of such a moment during a varsity soccer game—an event that would define her as a hero.
On October 5th a player from Harrison High collapsed during a match against Widefield. Though initially gaining consciousness, the player’s condition quickly deteriorated, leaving him breathless and in dire need of immediate intervention. Laura Smith sprang into action, drawing on her extensive training and quick decision-making ability to administer CPR and utilize a defibrillator—actions that are now unequivocally credited with saving the boy’s life.
“You never think you’re going to be in that position, but I was glad I was here to help.”
Beyond her role as an athletic trainer and CPR professional, Laura also serves as a dedicated educator, teaching Earth Science and Geology at Widefield High School. Her recent experience in emergency response added a profound layer to her teaching, allowing her to integrate real-world examples and insights into her curriculum. “My experience can actually help in my teaching now,” she notes, underscoring the practical relevance of first aid training in diverse settings.
During the intense moments, Laura’s actions were swift, precise, and collaborative. Recounting the sequence of events, she recalls the urgency of the situation and the coordinated efforts that ensued.
“In less than a minute, I was on the phone with 911,” she recounts, emphasizing the critical importance of immediate response in such emergencies. With the assistance of her colleagues and the timely arrival of medical professionals, the player was revived, marking a triumphant intervention amidst the chaos of the game.
“It was like a movie...to me, being a hero is just doing what needed to be done at the time.”
In her message to others, Laura underscores the importance of training and preparedness. “Training’s pretty easy, it doesn’t take that long,” she remarks, urging people to get trained or at least know how to respond in emergencies. “If you can’t get trained, the least you can do is call 911. If you feel like you can help out, even in the littlest of ways, even if it’s giving a little kid a band aid, do it.” On average nearly 6,000 people each day receive Red Cross first aid, CPR and AED training.
Her actions not only saved a life but also serve as a poignant reminder of the crucial role training, quick thinking, and coordinated efforts play in moments of crisis. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or community member, consider taking an American Red Cross CPR and first aid training course to equip yourself with lifesaving skills. Additionally, familiarize yourself with emergency protocols and always have access to essential medical equipment like defibrillators. By being prepared and ready to act, you, too, can make a difference and be a hero in times of need.
The Red Cross offers a wide range of training and education programs designed to empower individuals with life-saving skills and knowledge. From first aid and CPR courses to disaster preparedness and response training, their programs are comprehensive and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. These trainings not only equip individuals with valuable skills but also foster a culture of preparedness and resilience, ultimately saving lives and making communities safer and stronger.
American Red Cross training is available to equip you in the event of an emergency.
Find a class today or call 1-800 RED-CROSS.