A quick response by audience members at Thursday night’s seventh grade basketball game in Perry might have saved the life of a referee who collapsed during play.
Audra Woodin-Watson of Huxley, a behavior coach in the Ames Community School District and a witness of Thursday’s events, gave thanks in a Facebook post to the nurses and first responder in the audience whose quick action saved the victim’s life.
“Having three certified nurses and a sergeant with Ames Police Department in the crowd, supporting the away team, was a miracle in itself,” Woodin-Watson said. “We continue to pray for the referee.”
Malea Robison of Perry and Dallas County Reserve Deputy Sheriff James Leber, who also volunteers as an EMT on the Perry Volunteer Fire Department, were among the lifesavers who responded to the medical emergency and administered CPR.
“I hooked up him up to the AED,” Leber said, “and administered the shock to the man that brought him back. I’m thankful the school had these valuable tools on hand to save this man’s life.”
Witnesses said the referee was later transported by air ambulance for further treatment.
“Praise God for all of the people in the gym today that were able to step in today and help save this man’s life,” said Stacey Cleverley.
