Mercedes ISD athletic trainer recognized after administering EpiPen to child at varsity game

The Mercedes Independent School District board publicly recognized athletic trainer Jaime Garcia after he responded to a medical emergency at a varsity softball contest and administered an epinephrine auto-injector that staff said helped stabilize a 7-year-old boy until emergency medical services arrived.

At the board meeting, athletic director Roger Adame Jr. described Garcia's actions and the visiting team's gratitude. "When he called me that night, he said, coach, I happen to have an EpiPen for a child," Adame said, describing the trainer's preparedness. Trainer Jaime Garcia spoke to the board and community: "It was a tough night that night, but we practice and we did the job," he said, adding that the district's training and equipment made the response possible.

According to the account presented to the board, the child suffered a severe allergic reaction to ants during the game, became unresponsive and was being carried by his father. Officer Bocanegra called 911; with parental permission, Garcia administered the EpiPen and performed airway maneuvers while awaiting EMS. Board members and staff praised his quick action and the result: the child regained alertness and later, staff said, communicated with Garcia by FaceTime.

Why it matters: Board members said the incident underscores the value of on-site medical training, equipment and coordination among event staff. Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Clinton and trustees publicly thanked Garcia, and the board used the recognition to reinforce the district's emphasis on safety and readiness at extracurricular events.