San Diego Mesa College athletics trainer saves life of senior runner
SAN DIEGO - On Sunday, September 18, 2022, San Diego Mesa College Athletic Trainer and alumnus, Yuki Matsuzawa, along with two students and a coach, helped save the life of a 66 year old athlete, who collapsed on field after his event during the annual Senior Games Track Meet held on campus at Merrill Douglas Stadium.
When the senior runner collapsed, Mesa Student-Athletes - who were closest to the participant - ran over to help first. Student-Athletes Sidney Garcia and Azucena Hernandez immediately called 911, and ran to get Yuki Matsuzawa, the Mesa College Certified Athletic Trainer for the event, for additional medical aid. Upon arrival, Yuki checked for responsiveness and breathing. The man was initially breathing, but disoriented and barely responsive. While trying to get more information and communicate with the man, Yuki noticed that he had stopped breathing and no longer had a pulse.
Yuki immediately applied the AED and began chest compressions for CPR, and ensured that EMS personnel were on their way from the previous 911 call. Yuki continued CPR for one minute until the AED advised for a shock, which Yuki applied after ensuring everyone was clear of the patient. Yuki continued CPR for another minute until the man began breathing again and regained consciousness. Coach Sean Ricketts and others followed Mesa’s Emergency Action Plan and helped guide the paramedics and firefighters through the gates and onto the track. The EMS crew took over from there and the senior was stabilized and recovering at Sharp Hospital later that day.
According to coaching staff, Yuki Matsuzawa's swift actions and emergency medical training as a Certified Athletic Trainer undoubtedly saved this man's life. The senior runner has recovered well and even earned a medal, placing second in the Men’s 65-69 age group.
On Monday, Senior Games Commissioner, Gary MacDonald stated in a note to Trainer Matsuzawa, “You did an outstanding job coordinating the emergency care that he needed Yuki. I’m glad to hear he is ok. One of the EMT’s told me that what you and the others did prior to their getting on-site saved this man’s life! You are indeed a hero and life-saver! I am grateful that you were the Athletic Trainer for this year’s Senior Games. Thank you for everything you did yesterday.”
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(Courtesy San Diego Mesa College Office of Communications)