Quick decisions save referee's life on Kenosha soccer field

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A scary situation on the soccer field at UW-Parkside, as a referee collapsed mid-game.

"It was a blessing,” said referee Olu Waseyiafuwape. "I really do appreciate God putting those people there."

On Sept. 14, the UW Men's Soccer team had their eyes set on their first win of the season, when all of a sudden, in the middle of the second half, the unexpected happened.

"At first, I thought he was tripping over, I didn’t think much of it. But then he hit the ground quite hard and didn’t move," said Jaime Le Comte, a senior on UW-Parkside's Men’s Soccer team. "My initial instinct was to get to him as quick as I can."

Comte was the first one at Waseyiafuwape's side after he collapsed on the field.

“I got to the referee and turned him over onto his side, and I suddenly froze because I didn’t realize, I didn’t know what to do," said Comte. "I didn’t know what was happening and it was really scary,”

Comte yelled for help immediately. That’s when Parkside's assistant athletic trainer, Kaela Johnson, was able to step in and discovered he was experiencing a cardiac event.

"It's unfortunate what happened, but glad we were right place, right time and were able to use the skills that we have," said Johnson. "I feel like we are pretty unique to have the lifesaving measure skills that we have."

Jumping into action, Johnson says she and a nurse who was in the crowd were able to provide chest compressions and use an AED to stabilize him.

"I didn’t know what happened until the EMT in the back of the truck told me, 'Hey dude, you just flatlined,' and I'm like, ''Wait, what?'" said Waseyiafuwape. "There was no way."

An athlete his whole life, Waseyiafuwape says he couldn't believe it happened and is thankful for everyone who stepped up and saved his life.

"I'm doing well," said Waseyiafuwape. "I'm thanking God every day for this second opportunity in life. I'm recovering."

Waseyiafuwape says he's okay and hopes to one day be back on the field as a referee, but for now he's focusing on taking care of his health.

Comte says after witnessing the incident unfold, he immediately took a first aid and CPR class so if there's a next time, he's prepared, and he recommends others do the same.

 One month after jumping into action to save a referee's life in the middle of a UW-Parkside Soccer game, those who stepped in to help are being recognized for their heroism.

 “For the guys on the team it was certainly quite an experience, so it’s just nice that we all could pitch in on that day and do the right thing," said Jaime Le Comte, a UW-Parkside Men’s Soccer player.

 “I just did what I would hope everyone would do around that situation," said Comte. "Obviously, I saw him go down in front of me and I just sort of blacked out and my instincts took over."

Comte was the first one at Waseyiafuwape's side calling out for help. That’s when the team's assistant athletic trainer, Kaela Johnson jumped into action to perform life saving measures.

 “The day was kind of a whirlwind in the end of it, but everyone came together, just working as a team doing their individual roles to help save the ref's life,” said Johnson.

The American Heart Association acknowledged their bravery with Heartsaver Hero Awards, saying their preparedness saved Waseyiafuwape's life.

"They jumped in." said Katie Connolly, the executive director of the American Heart Association. "They did CPR, they got an AED, called 911, all the correct steps in the chain of survival. The national average is that you have a 10% chance of survival when you go into cardiac arrest and once CPR started immediately, it can double, if not triple the person's chance of survival."

Comte says it's a moment the team will never forget. He says it inspired him to become CPR certified, so if there's a next time, he's ready.

“From that situation, we just hope that student athletes, anyone involved in any facet of life go and get some CPR training because it’s so simple," said Comte. "It’s so quick. I did mine in 15 minutes and now I could hope to save a life and play a part.”

Waseyiafuwape continues to recover and says he's focusing on his healing and taking things one day at a time, while spending time with his loved ones.