Mike Thompson recounts on-field cardiac arrest; district gains portable AED after donation

Mike Thompson told the school board the story of an on-field cardiac arrest that occurred on April 20, 2022, when an umpire collapsed at home plate during a rivalry game. Thompson said off-duty local officers and parents sprinted to retrieve an AED that was about 50 yards from the field and used it before emergency crews arrived. "Jeff Brer had collapsed at home plate and um had had a heart attack," Thompson said, describing the event that led to the donation.

Thompson said the umpire, Jeff Bruner, underwent bypass surgery days later and has since donated a top-of-the-line portable AED to the program. Thompson thanked the district for purchasing an additional mobile unit so teams can take an AED to away contests. "The district bought us one that we take that three minutes and turn it into quite literally 30 seconds," he said, arguing that a portable unit shortens retrieval time at distant venues.

Board members asked operational questions about who would carry the device to away events and whether athletic trainers would take units to all contests. Presenters clarified that the district now has two mobile units that can travel with teams and that home-game coverage remains the responsibility of the athletic trainer. Thompson said he would lend the portable unit to teams in need for fall and winter seasons.

The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken. The board noted this is an example of a community donation (Bruner's gift) paired with district procurement to increase on-field safety for players, officials and spectators.