State association commends Memorial Medical Center athletic trainer for his role in saving student's life

The New York State Athletic Trainers Association has commended Jeff Green, MS, ATC, for his role in saving the life of a Grand Island middle school student after she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during a Sept. 24 physical education class.

Green, a Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center athletic trainer, assigned full-time to the Grand Island School District, was at the high school when the student's physical education teachers called 911 and the high school office to request an automated external defibrillator. Green grabbed his portable AED and, with another physical education teacher, ran out to the high school track where they found school staff administering CPR.

Green and a school nurse attached the AED to the patient and a shock was advised and delivered. He then performed CPR until a pulse was detected.

Grand Island Fire Co. personnel worked with Green and school staff to continue CPR and prepare the student for transport by Twin City Ambulance to Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. She has since returned home.

Green is one of 13 athletic trainers in Memorial's sports medicine program. Operating in partnership with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, the program provides sports medicine, athletic training and concussion management services to several area high schools and colleges.

Green's efforts were recognized in the New York State Athletic Trainers Association's fall newsletter and earned him a nomination for the National Athletic Trainer's Association Lifesaver Recognition Program, which recognizes association members who have provided skilled medical care and assistance to victims in situations where a life is at risk.