SAFETY FIRST!!

While many on the west coast were focused on the Canucks hosting the NY Islanders who finally made it back to the coast, we were we in a state of shock.

For those who caught highlights of Dallas/Columbus game seeing pandemonium break out on any bench is tough enough, but in the NHL?

Several questions come to mind, none of which are could have this been prevented, were there symptoms, what led up to this and lastly, how would we react if this happened in a minor hockey game you were involved in?

Simply put, in today’s world many rinks are equipped with defibrillator normally located behind the players bench, but some smaller rinks are unable to supply them. It is important that all sporting facilities are able to provide its visitors with potentially life-saving treatment and equipment, (you can learn more here). You may never know when you or someone you love will need access to a defibrillator.

For those unsure a defibrillator is a device that delivers an electric shock to the heart, when it (heart) is having ventricular fibrillation, that rapid heartbeat that does not produce blood going to the brain or other organs – that has to be stopped immediately.

First this should be up to the town/city to ensure that they are in their facilities, not just for hockey, but all sports or activities that are played that they operate. If you are getting one but are just uncertain about what to get, then you might be interested in getting something like the Physio Control’s Lifepak Express model. However, the decision is up to you.

The game played on March 10 in Dallas between the Stars and the Blue Jackets was postponed midway through the first period and will be re-scheduled to be played at a later time.

At 6:23 the first period Stars players on the bench were frantically trying to get the attention of the game officials as Stars player Rich Peverley had collapsed on the bench.

Stars Coach Lindy Ruff was one that was trying to carry him to a nearby tunnel for medical attention by the team Doctor who on the scene who treated him for a heart-related incident.

Dr. Gil Salazar of UT Southwestern Emergency Medicine stated later “We successfully treated him for a cardiac event with standard therapy, and we provided oxygen and started an IV.”

He continued ” We did chest compressions on him and defibrillated him, provided some electricity to bring a rhythm back to his heart, and that was successful with one attempt, which is very reassuring to everyone.”

“As soon as we treated him, he regained consciousness and he was alert and talking after the event and quickly got transported to the hospital. I was actually able to talk to him in the back of the ambulance; he was able to tell me where he was and wanted to get back into the game.”

It should be noted that Peverley has a documented history of heart issues and a physical prior to training camp revealed he had an irregular heartbeat.

Peverley underwent a procedure in Cleveland in September and missed all of camp, the pre-season and the first regular-season game and recently he missed a game March 4 in Columbus.

To no one’s surprise players on both team’s did not feel like playing the remainder of the, thus the game was postponed and will be re-scheduled by the League Office.

So while some say this won’t happen at a Minor or an Adult game, it can, it has and it will happen again at some future game, regardless of where it’s played.

The NHL has top Doctors on hand to deal with issues such as this or the one years back with Clint Malarchuk who’s throat was cut with a skate blade March 22, 1989.

He was fortunate to have the teams trainer, Jim Pizzutelli (former Army medic who served in Vietnam) on the bench who managed to stop the bleeding.

He is reported in stable condition in the hospital and one has to ask if this is the last game that Rich Peverley will play in the NHL for the Stars or any organization?

At the young age of 31 he has a future ahead of him and his Family, so before you think he should “hit the ice”, think of the up-side of his future, not just the game.

All the best to Rich, his Family and the Stars Organization – the game will survive!!