San Diego Mesa College athletics trainer saves life of senior runner

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.