PICKLEBALL COMMUNITIES
LEARNING HOW CPR
Helps Save Lives
CPR
or cardiopulmonary
resuscitation is a lifesaving
measure that has prevented
the deaths of thousands of people, especially
those competing on athletic fields or sports
courts throughout the world.
USAPA knows all too well the importance of CPR
and encourages all of its members to know the
skills needed to potentially save a life on or off
the court.
According to the American Heart Association
(AHA), 70 percent of all cardiac arrests occur
outside the hospital environment. This means
that the first responder typically isn’t trained
medical personnel.
USAPA member Stacy Spell was playing on some
newly built courts last year in Squaw Valley. She
is a CPR-certified fitness industry professional
trained in emergency protocols and CPR best
practices, which currently recommend hands-
only compression CPR.
A fellow player was in distress that day and Stacy
went into action and kept continually providing
hand compressions until emergency medical
technicians came on-site. The EMTs then
shocked the patient with an AED, or Automated
External Defibrillator, and prepped him for the
ambulance ride. A few stents and bypass surgery
later, the patient is back on the pickleball courts
and playing again, thanks to Stacy’s quick
actions.
Fast forward to the Williamson County,
Tennessee, Parks and Recreation Department.
Every employee in the department has been
CPR trained and managers are required to be
teacher certified. Nearly 120 pickleball players
signed up for classes, which were held in June
and conducted by firefighters from nearby
Franklin, TN.
Continued on page 38 à
JULY/AUGUST 2019 |
MAGAZINE
37