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District honors athletic trainer and assistant principal who used AED to save an official
Summary
The board recognized athletic trainer Natasha Booth and Walden Grove assistant principal Cresten Elker for performing CPR and deploying an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive an athletic official who suffered sudden cardiac arrest at a game; the official was conscious when emergency services arrived and was transported to hospital.
The Sahuarita Unified School District on Jan. 14 publicly honored athletic trainer Natasha Booth and assistant principal Cresten Elker for quickly deploying an AED and administering CPR that revived an athletic official who collapsed during a Walden Grove game.
Superintendent Dr. Manuel Valenuela recounted the incident: when the official lost pulse, Booth and Elker immediately cut the shirt, applied AED leads and administered chest compressions while coordinating with others on scene. The device advised and delivered a shock; after several minutes the official regained consciousness and was able to use a phone to contact family before emergency responders transported the person to hospital. District and fire‑district representatives presented life‑saving awards, and representatives from Banner Health and the responding fire district thanked district staff for their training and preparedness.
Joseph O’Brien, representing the fire district, also praised the “swift, decisive and professional action” of the school staff and said the outcome reflected the district’s investment in athletic training, CPR education and AED access.
The board presented awards and encouraged the community to continue support for safety and training programs.
