Referee collapses in the middle of UW-Parkside soccer game, staff helps save his life
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.