A boys middle school game in Belmont, Massachusetts had just tipped off. Three minutes in, coach Ronnie Poirier collapsed on the court. Face down. No movement. That instant when a gym goes from loud to silent is something you never forget.
On the opposite sideline, coach Ian Haffer saw what was happening and moved. Fast. He noticed the purple lips and that Ronnie was not breathing. He called for an AED and told someone to call 911. No panic. Just action.
Here is the part that floored me. Ian is not only a coach, he is a doctor. He removed Ronnie’s shirt, placed the AED pads, and worked with the 911 dispatcher. A parent said the dispatcher asked for the AED, but Ian already had it on and was doing what needed to be done.
Officials say Ronnie had a heart attack. They credit Ian’s quick response with saving his life. From the hospital, Ronnie shared that he is beyond grateful and waiting on more tests. I am pulling for him.
I spend a lot of time around games and live events. You plan for music, schedules, and fun. You do not plan for a life to be in danger right in front of you. But this is a reminder that preparation matters and calm people save lives.
If you have kids in sports, or you go to local games, here is my ask. Do you know where the AED is in your gym? Have you taken a CPR class recently? Ask a coach. Ask the front desk. Spend two minutes to look. It could matter.
Ian did what heroes do. No cape. Just a whistle, a steady voice, and the training to act.
Source: WCVB