Ref Collapses, Heroes Take The Field

A routine afternoon soccer game turned into a lifesaving team effort when a referee suddenly collapsed during a JV girls soccer match at Smithtown High School East.

About 30 minutes into the game, the official suddenly went down on the field, stunning players, coaches and spectators. Within seconds, several people rushed to his aid and began providing emergency medical care.

“In a matter of seconds, an extraordinary team effort swung into action,” Smithtown High School East Principal Paul McNeil said.

Among those who rushed to help was Smithtown parent Jennifer Carney, who was at the game taking photographs. Carney, a volunteer EMT with the St. James Fire Department, quickly began performing chest compressions on the referee.

She was joined by head coach Amanda Valente and athletic trainer Kelsey McCulley, who retrieved the school’s automated external defibrillator, or AED. Together, they assessed the referee, applied the AED pads and delivered a shock when the device indicated one was needed.

“A bunch of us ran over and we just started CPR and we got the AED out, placed the pads on him, noticed his rhythm was off, and we shocked him,” Carney said. The coordinated emergency response continued until additional emergency personnel arrived at Smithtown High School East.

The frightening incident brought together Smithtown parents, coaches and athletic staff, along with East Islip residents, in an effort to provide lifesaving care to the referee.

The emergency also highlighted the importance of having trained personnel and lifesaving equipment readily available at school athletic events. AEDs are designed to analyze a person’s heart rhythm and, when necessary, deliver an electrical shock in an effort to restore an effective rhythm during certain cardiac emergencies. What began as an ordinary afternoon of high school soccer quickly became a dramatic example of preparation and teamwork, with those at the field responding immediately when seconds mattered.