Waite Park Pickleball Court AED Rescue: An Avon man’s life was saved on July 31 when quick action from bystanders and a nearby AED revived him after he collapsed during a pickleball game at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park.
Mike Collins was playing with his friend, 64-year-old Steve Roforth, when he suddenly became unresponsive between games.
Quick Response in the Court
“I looked at him, and I could tell something wasn’t quite right,” Steve Roforth said. He explained that Mike Collins’ face turned red, then blue, and he realized Collins was not breathing.
Roforth quickly called for help, asking people nearby to dial 911. Police officer Kelly Simondet and paramedic Christy Legatt responded immediately, starting CPR while another person ran to retrieve the AED from the restrooms near the courts.
Lifesaving Shock
The AED, or automated external defibrillator, had been installed at the park three years ago but had never been used, according to Rich Feneis, founder of Advocates for Health, a nonprofit that places AEDs across Minnesota.
Kelly Simondet and Christy Legatt applied the device and delivered one shock.
“Within 30 seconds, he was starting to breathe on his own,” Christy Legatt said.
“That one shock changed everything,” Steve Roforth added.
Recovery After the Incident
Paramedics soon arrived and transported Mike Collins to a hospital, where he was “alert and oriented,” Christy Legatt said.
“The AED was critical, probably in saving his life,” Steve Roforth emphasized.
Just two days later, Mike Collins was released from the hospital.
“He’s really doing very well,” Steve Roforth said. “He actually has more energy and is feeling better than he did prior to the heart attack.”
Why It Matters
This incident shows how important AEDs can be in public spaces. Advocates for Health has worked to make sure parks and community areas have access to these lifesaving devices. For Mike Collins, having one nearby—and people trained to use it—made all the difference.
News in Brief: Waite Park Pickleball Court AED Rescue
An Avon man, Mike Collins, survived cardiac arrest while playing pickleball in Waite Park on July 31. Thanks to CPR from police officer Kelly Simondet, paramedic Christy Legatt, and a quick AED shock, Collins recovered and was released two days later. His story highlights the lifesaving value of AEDs in public spaces.
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