Hockey Players Make Save For Goalie…. Where Is Your AED?

Three hockey players jumped into action during a game at the Kirkwood (Missouri) Ice Rink to help save the life of a fellow player who went into cardiac arrest.

The Jaguars and the Renegades, of the Hockey North America League, were playing at the rink Nov. 14 when the Renegade’s goaltender collapsed at 10:14 p.m., according to a statement from the City of Kirkwood.

Ice rink manager Mike Krafft quickly called 911. Brian Robinson, of the  Jaguars, performed CPR on the victim while Craig Merrifield, of the Renegades, retrieved a public access AED machine (automatic external defibrillator). Don Guenther, of the Jaguars and who was trained in using an AED, applied the device. Following audio instructions from the machine, Guenther delivered two shocks to restart the victim’s heart. Robinson continued CPR between shocks and until paramedics arrived, the city says.

A rescue ambulance, with responding firefighter/paramedics, assisted by a ladder truck and team of three, arrived at the scene to find the victim still unconscious but breathing.

They administered Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) treatment and Jaguar teemmates helped them remove the goalie’s equipment.

The victim was then transported to a local medical facility, where he regained consciousness and was treated and released several days later. He has made a full recovery, the city says.