How Pickleball Heroes Saved Wayne Latimer’s Life: A pickleball game at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center on April 18 turned into a life-saving effort when player Wayne Latimer suffered a cardiac arrest on the court. Fellow players, including local nurse Karen Kent, sprang into action to save him.
Latimer collapsed during a game, prompting teammates to call for help. Kent quickly began CPR while others retrieved the newly installed automated external defibrillator (AED).
“When he received that shock is when he got a heartbeat back,” ( Karen Kent).
Life Saved by Quick Action and New AEDs
The AED was critical in saving Latimer’s life, according to Kent, who praised the group effort.
“It was a really nice group effort between EMTs and all the friends that came to help,”( Karen Kent).
The AED at the court was part of an initiative led by the Pickleball Club of Chesterfield.
“They actually purchased two units on their own, and then we realized this was a good idea,”(Neil Luther, director of Chesterfield Parks and Recreation).
The program has since expanded, with 23 new AEDs installed in public parks across Chesterfield County.
Promoting Safety in Chesterfield
The AEDs are easy to use and accessible in emergencies.
“These units are self-explanatory,”. “If there is a medical emergency, anybody can walk through because to unlock the unit, you call 911″(Neil Luther)
The growing initiative ensures more public spaces are equipped with these life-saving devices.
Gratitude and a Call to Action
Latimer expressed his heartfelt gratitude during a Chesterfield Board of Supervisors meeting on May 15.
“I think I’m here today because of Karen and all the pickleball angels that helped me,”(Wayne Latimer).
He encouraged others to learn CPR and become familiar with AEDs.
“I really feel like everybody should take a CPR class; it could end up saving somebody else’s life,” (Wayne Latimer).
The swift actions of Kent, Latimer’s fellow players, and the availability of the AED highlight the importance of preparation and teamwork in emergencies.
News in brief: How Pickleball Heroes Saved Wayne Latimer’s Life
Wayne Latimer suffered a cardiac arrest during a pickleball game at Chesterfield Career and Technical Center. Fellow players, including nurse Karen Kent, quickly initiated CPR and used a newly installed AED to revive him. The AED, part of an initiative by the Pickleball Club of Chesterfield, has led to the installation of 23 units in public parks. Latimer expressed gratitude for the quick response and encouraged others to learn CPR and use AEDs.
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