Locust Valley high school student revived after collapsing during boys basketball tryouts
The student suffered a medical emergency during tryouts at the Locust Valley Middle and High School gym. Credit: Kristy Leibowitz
Locust Valley coaches revived a high school student Monday night after he collapsed during basketball practice, school officials said.
The student suffered a medical emergency during boys varsity basketball tryouts at the Locust Valley Middle and High School gym, Superintendent Kristen Turnow said in a letter Tuesday to parents, calling the staff "heroes."
Coaches and staff performed CPR on the student and used a mounted automated external defibrillator to revive the student, who was taken to a hospital. He was recovering and stable Tuesday, Turnow said.
"I am so grateful to be able to share the positive news on the student’s health, and to call my colleagues heroes for handling an extremely distressing situation," Turnow said. "We are constantly preparing for situations such as this one, but it is inspiring to see that our staff is completely ready to go above and beyond at a moment’s notice."
Coaches are certified to perform CPR and AED, which is required under state law, said Pat Pizzarelli, executive director of Section VIII Athletics, the governing body of scholastic sports in Nassau County.
"At any time, a young athlete could go down and the coaching staff is trained to go to work and they saved a life," Pizzarelli said. "Thank God they have this certification in New York State. Because of their quick actions, this young man is still alive."
Locust Valley Athletic Director Danielle Turner Cosci said the district and the community were proud of the coaching staff for jumping into action and relieved the student was recovering.
"Our coaches are heroes. They didn't hesitate," Turner Cosci said. "I think it’s important to remember our district is a small community and the coaches view these athletes as their own children or little brothers, and they've formed a bond with these kids."
In March, Wantagh athletic director Jennifer Keane helped save the life of referee Joe Gaskin, using an AED after he collapsed at Farmingdale State College from a cardiac event.
Teachers, coaches and counselors met with the student’s teammates Tuesday to discuss the emergency and offer assistance, Turnow said.
The district also offers AED and CPR training to students during regular physical education classes, she said.
"I want to encourage our students affected by this situation to utilize our dedicated counselors if they need to speak to anyone about how they are feeling," Turnow said. "For our community members, please know that I and my administrative staff are here for you, as well."
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
