Andrew Pihlblad’s health scare on the field highlights the urgency of emergency preparedness.
Andrew Pihlblad has dedicated years of his life to developing young soccer talent as a coach for the Southern Tier Football Club.
The 45-year-old coach leads a U17 boys’ soccer team from Jamestown, New York, where he has built a reputation for his commitment to youth athletics.
Pihlblad brings passion and expertise to the sidelines, regularly traveling with his team to compete against other clubs across the region.
His coaching philosophy centers on developing not just skilled players but well-rounded young athletes who understand teamwork and sportsmanship.
Prior to his recent health scare, Pihlblad maintained an active lifestyle that complemented his coaching duties.
He had no known health issues and considered himself to be in good physical condition.
His dedication to the sport extends beyond just coaching matches, as he actively works to improve the soccer community and provide opportunities for young players to grow and excel in their athletic pursuits.
Sudden Health Crisis Strikes Coach Andrew Pihlblad During High School Soccer Match
Andrew Pihlblad’s health took a dramatic and unexpected turn on June 4 during what began as a routine soccer match at Wilson High School.
The coach collapsed suddenly during the second half of the game, suffering a cardiac arrest that nearly claimed his life. Pihlblad describes the terrifying moment with stark clarity:
“I went from standing up, coaching and doing whatever, to just my heart stopped and I fell down.”
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The incident occurred without any warning signs, as he felt completely normal throughout the first half and halftime of the match.
The collapse happened approximately 120 miles from Pihlblad’s home, making the situation even more precarious.
Wilson High School coach Paul Herrmann witnessed the frightening scene unfold, later describing how he saw Pihlblad “face down in the turf” and immediately recognized the severity of the situation.
Security cameras at the school captured the entire emergency response, providing a clear record of how quickly the situation escalated from a normal soccer game to a life-or-death crisis.
What followed demonstrates the critical importance of immediate medical intervention in cardiac arrest cases.
The swift response from spectators, parents, and coaches transformed what could have been a tragedy into a remarkable survival story.
Pihlblad’s memory of the event cuts off abruptly at the moment of collapse, which he describes as “kind of like a light switch” turning off, leaving him with no recollection of the emergency response that saved his life.
The medical emergency required immediate and coordinated action from multiple individuals.
CPR-certified parents and spectators rushed onto the field to begin chest compressions while others sprinted into the school building to retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The AED delivered three crucial shocks to Pihlblad’s heart before he regained consciousness.
Within approximately ten minutes of his collapse, paramedics had arrived and transported him to Buffalo General Hospital.
Pihlblad remained hospitalized from June 4 to June 10, undergoing extensive medical evaluation and treatment.
During his recovery, doctors conducted comprehensive cardiac testing to determine the cause of his sudden cardiac arrest.
Despite a thorough examination, medical professionals found no blockages or obvious underlying heart conditions that would explain the incident.
This mysterious aspect of his case mirrors other instances of sudden cardiac arrest in apparently healthy individuals.
The medical team informed Pihlblad that his chances of survival for such an incident outside a hospital setting were approximately 10 percent, emphasizing how fortunate he was to have collapsed in a location where immediate help was available.
As a precautionary measure, doctors implanted an internal defibrillator in his chest to protect against future cardiac episodes.
Pihlblad’s recovery has been remarkable, allowing him to return home and celebrate Father’s Day with his family.
However, the incident has profoundly impacted his perspective on health and emergency preparedness.
He acknowledges that without the immediate CPR and AED intervention, he would not have survived.
The coach has become an advocate for CPR and AED training, encouraging others to learn these life-saving skills.
Pihlblad credits the fact that the incident occurred at a high school, which had an AED on site, as crucial to his survival.
Many other playing fields and recreational facilities lack such equipment, potentially putting athletes and spectators at risk during medical emergencies.
Currently, Pihlblad continues to work with his medical team to monitor his heart health and adjust to life with an implanted defibrillator.
While the specific cause of his cardiac arrest remains unknown, he maintains a positive outlook and uses his experience to educate others about the importance of emergency preparedness in athletic settings.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He regained consciousness and made a joke to the EMTs, saying “I want to get up” when one of them told him “You ain’t getting up, sweetie.”
- He directly compared his incident to NFL player Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest, stating that “the same exact thing that happened to Damar happened to me.”
- The soccer game was ultimately canceled as a non-contest, with the Wilson coach indicating he would forfeit if a replay became necessary for season standings.
