Quick action by members of the Central Methodist University athletic training staff saved the life of a soccer referee Thursday afternoon. 

During the men’s soccer game at the university’s Davis Field, a side official collapsed and reportedly went into cardiac arrest. Athletic training staff administered CPR protocols for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, along with members of the university’s plant operations staff and Howard County Ambulance Service EMTs. 

The trainers deployed one of the college’s AEDs (automated external defibrillator) twice. Howard County Ambulance personnel administered a third shock, after which time the official’s pulse returned, and he began breathing again on his own.

“If it weren’t for the immediate quick thinking and professional action taken by our CMU Athletic Training staff, this end result could have been terrible,” said CMU Athletic Director Jeff Sherman.

The official was taken by ambulance to the cardiac ICU at University Hospital in Columbia. Hospital officials confirmed that the man’s heart stopped, apparently due to fibrillation.

A Mizzou cardiologist said rapid administration of CPR by the trainers and EMTs saved the official’s life.

“I am proud to acknowledge the impressive performance by our Athletic Training staff Paden Kleinhesselink and Andrew Seaton during this frightening situation,” Sherman said. “These gentlemen raised the bar.”

Howard County Ambulance Service Director Frank Flaspohler also credited the swift action by the university’s athletic training staff for saving the official’s life. He said their starting CPR immediately is what probably saved his life.

“The college did a wonderful job of saving his life,” Flaspohler said.

Thursday’s soccer match between No. 1-ranked CMU and (RV) Southwestern Christian was called a no-contest after 61 minutes of play. Both teams agreed to stop the match due to the medical emergency that transpired. At the time of the stoppage, Southwestern Christian was leading CMU 1-0 at the 28:31 mark of the second half.