WVU Medicine Partners with Local Schools to Strengthen Emergency Response Preparedness for Student Athletes 

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – WVU Medicine is partnering with school districts in the Tri-State region to enhance emergency preparedness for student athletes through hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training, as well as realistic emergency response simulations for coaches, athletic staff, and school personnel.

Ahead of the fall soccer and football seasons, WVU Medicine teams collaborated with Jefferson High School and Spring Mills High School to conduct unannounced emergency simulations during practices, helping the schools assess and strengthen their response capabilities in real-world scenarios. 

"The drills simulated a student athlete who suddenly experienced a medical event on the field and tested the response of coaches, staff, and athletes in real time," said Jaime Weller, simulation specialist with the WVU School of Medicine. "Everyone did a great job. These exercises provide an opportunity to practice emergency response in a realistic environment, identify opportunities for improvement, and build confidence so that teams are prepared if a real emergency ever occurs." 

Before the simulations, Weller and Dr. Ben Deuell, Eastern Regional Emergency Department medical director for WVU Medicine, provided CPR and AED training for athletic directors, coaches, and staff members, equipping them with critical lifesaving skills before putting them into practice during the drills. 

"Having a plan is no good unless all working parts know the plan and can execute that plan," said Caitlyn Bussard, athletic trainer at Jefferson High School. "I am grateful to have WVU Medicine as a local resource to make sure our athletes are safe on the field." 

The initiative highlights the importance of preparation and coordination when responding to medical emergencies involving student athletes. 

"Strong community partnerships are essential to improving emergency preparedness and protecting the health and well-being of our student athletes," said Donnie Grubb, director of Trauma and Emergency Services for WVU Medicine. "By working together with our local schools, we can help ensure that coaches, staff members, and athletic trainers are prepared to act quickly and confidently when every second counts. These collaborative efforts strengthen the safety net around our students and reinforce our shared commitment to the communities we serve."