RSU 21 athletic staff helps save life during 8-man football championship

KENNEBUNK, Maine - Quick action by RSU 21 athletic staff and first responders saved a person’s life when they experienced cardiac arrest just before the 8-man Football Championships at Kennebunk High School last Saturday.

The incident occurred on Saturday, Nov. 16 before the 11 a.m. game with hundreds of spectators already in the stands and hundreds more waiting to get in. RSU 21 athletic department personnel, including an athletic trainer intern, immediately activated their Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Local EMTs, already present at the event, responded rapidly.

Athletic trainers and emergency medical personnel administered CPR and utilized a defibrillator three times, successfully reviving the individual who was then transported to Maine Medical Center.

"The level of teamwork I witnessed was truly amazing," said RSU 21 Athletic Director Joe Schwartzmann. "We saved a person’s life. Our policies and procedures were followed precisely, and our team worked with incredible efficiency."

Schwartzmann emphasized the critical importance of emergency preparedness in school athletics. The school's athletic training team, often working behind the scenes, played a crucial role in the rapid response.

"Our trainers do a lot," Schwartzmann said. "They're responsible for people in the stands, developing emergency action plans, and ensuring the safety of our community."

Schwartzmann said his team is constantly reviewing its emergency response procedures and encourages other athletic departments to develop robust emergency action plans.