Binghamton wrestlers need look no further than their sixth-year athletic trainer, Noel Zeh, to see a life lesson in those same attributes. In roughly the same seven minutes it takes to showcase their skills and training on the mat, Zeh used his own expertise and training to help save a man’s life off the mat.
Noel Zeh“During the initial moments, I did a mental checklist of who might be in the building,” Zeh said. “Since it was during the semester break, I knew it could be an elderly adult or even a child … and there are challenges for each age group.”
Zeh’s primary thought was to remain calm and let his training guide him.
“Not knowing what the situation was or the current condition of the man going into cardiac arrest … that can be a bit daunting,” he admitted. “Being calm is the best strategy not only for yourself but for anyone else who might be helping.”
Zeh arrived as the man’s racquetball partner was performing CPR. He scanned his body for any visible marks, noting an abrasion in the shoulder area and labored breathing. When Price arrived approximately 30 seconds later, Zeh removed the man’s shirt and applied the AED while the playing partner continued CPR. A department secretary had already called campus Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and as the AED was performing its initial analyzing phase, more help arrived. Collectively the men continued performing CPR until the ambulance and gurney arrived. Only after the man was taken away to a local hospital did Zeh have time to process what had happened and his prominent role.
“Once I arrived at the racquetball court, the training I had gone through had kicked in and I almost didn’t have to think about what I was doing … it was like second nature to me,” he said. “After more help arrived, it was a slight bit of relief but still pretty stressful because I was just hoping I had done enough to that point to help save this man.”
Turns out the hardest part for Zeh were the hours and days that followed, when he didn’t know the man’s fate.
“I think finally about 45 minutes after the incident it began to sink in and started to really affect me. The initial hour or two that followed were pretty tough too … not knowing if the man was going to live or if he just passed away in front of me. I came to the conclusion that I had done all I could to help the man survive but it still was in the back of my mind for a week … not knowing.”
And survive he did. Zeh spoke to the playing partner one week later and heard the wonderful news that the man had been released from the hospital after surgery and recovery. The partner thanked Zeh for his assistance and relayed that the man was eager to return to competition on the racquetball courts.
Known as much for his modest nature as his calm demeanor, Zeh was hesitant to share his story with others, though he was thankful for the support offered to him in the emotional aftermath.
“The University offered me support and all of their services on campus if I needed them and that was very comforting.”
Once word spread through the department, Zeh was lauded by Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott at a January staff meeting. His action didn’t surprise his immediate supervisor, Director of Sports Medicine Dan King.
“As certified athletic trainers, we never know when an emergency situation will present itself,” King said. “Athletic trainers are trained and educated in emergency care and we take pride that Noel acted so quickly and that his actions helped saved this man’s life. We are fortunate to have someone with Noel’s experience running our West Gym athletic training room and know he can be counted on to provide the best care. ”
An associate athletic trainer at Binghamton since 2008, Zeh has worked with the wrestling program as well as volleyball and men’s and women’s swimming and diving. But he carries strongest bond with wrestling, as witnessed by his matside intensity and vast knowledge and appreciation of the sport’s nuances.
“Wrestlers have such a passion and high level of commitment,” he said. “They’re determined to improve at all times and have such a strong focus on the task at hand. That’s how I feel about my profession. I love being an athletic trainer. I try to be the best I can be and improve on what I know and how I can better serve the athletes.”
Or in this case, serve the public at large.
BACKGROUND
Noel Zeh holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and a master’s degree in athletic training from Seton Hall. He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and holds licenses in New York and New Jersey. He is board certified in both athletic training and strength and conditioning.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now