The Soft Pitch

I’m upset.  My good friend, and one of best teammates I’ve had in my 20 plus years of Molex softball almost died on the softball field of a heart attack. While on deck at the 16 Inch ASA Nationals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he collapsed. Only the fast action of a fan (who happened to be a nurse watching her husband play) and two other players (who just happened to be firemen) got him breathing again, while waiting for an ambulance that was delayed at a railroad crossing, due to a freight train.  The ambulance eventually came, shocked Steve and got him to the Mercy Medical Center. He had stint surgery and is still in very guarded condition.

I should have been relieved, and at first I was. But now, that relief has turned into a very deep concern. This is a big event in softball. It attracts 40 teams and alot of fans,  so organizers probably worked on this for over a year. Here’s what concerns me:  in all that planning time did the organizing committe even discuss having a paramedic on site?  Sadly after it happened they still did not add a paramedic on site the next days.

Many years ago, when I worked at Molex, per instructions of the president we had a paramedic at every event. At Avnet, we always have paramedics and/ or security at Avnet softball and football games, as well as big meetings. Our company leaders are concerned about the safety and well being of their employees and guests. At our Avnet sporting events paramedics have handeled any number of things from minor scratches, pulled muscles to broken wrists on the spot. Once, at Molex picnic, a child turned blue after getting food lodged in it’s throat. Close by paramedics turned that incident from potential tragity, to a bad scare.

At Forest Park each year they hold their huge softball tournament with thousands of fans, paramedics are there.

Sure, there’s cost involved. But it’s not a back breaker…..budget for it. Organizers who are trying to put on successful events should be consious of safety issues when that many people are expected (my guess is they are)…this NOT just about softball organizers in Iowa it’s anywhere events are held…think about all the events you or your kids are involved in at parks and at large meetings everyday.

I find it funny that most parks have signs warning people away from certain areas because it’s not safe. How about some useful safety signs…like how to help someone choking, where a first aid box might be, closest fire dept, and yes, where is the nearest defibulator. 

At Avnet facilities defibulators are noticeable.  I have been trained on the device and our events people are asked to be trained in CPR too. Hopefully, I will never have to use it, as I’m not entirely sure how well I would respond. Even without paramedics on the scene,  if the equipment was available,  the firemen/players on the scene could have revived Steve sooner. But, again, it was just luck that they were even there.  I can’t let myself think where my friend would be now if  those firemen didn’t love 16″ softball.

If I organized softball or other major events I would insist on these things:

1) The local fire department be aware of the event

2) A paramedic on duty at all times

3) First Aid kit and Defibulator on site

4) Basic first aid signs visible all around the area

5) Any organizer, umpire or player certified in CPR make themselves known

Let’s not put all the pressure on the organizers or the assiocations involved.  To certain degree, we can all take some responsibility for our own safety by simply asking “what if ?” and then making sure that whoever is in charge has a satisfactory answer.

Steve is still not out this at all, he is awake and breathing on his own, but he is in very guarded condition. Steve has played for over 3 decades, so 16 inch softball nation is praying for him.  Mr or Mrs organizer,  park director or event planner, I  know you plan these events only to benefit our youth and adults.  I sincerely appreciate the work you do but,  please, please  take that one step further to avoid any unnecessary tragedy. Hope that everything will be ok  is not a strategy. Don’t hope there are nurses, firemen or policemen in the crowd.

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