Athletic trainers at Ganesha High School in Pomona, Calif., had to act fast when Ganesha head football coach Don Cayer suffered a heart attack near the conclusion of Friday's loss to La Puente High School.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Cayer said in a text message, "I'm alive. Had three blocked arteries. But looks like they saved my life."
The Pomona Unified School District said in a statement on Monday: “Coach Don Cayer of Ganesha High School is doing great. We are very thankful for our athletic trainers, standby ambulance and having quick access to life saving medical technology. The fast actions of the athletic trainers and the Ganesha and La Puente High School’s administrative teams is what saved Don’s life."
Athletic trainers used an AED to help revive Cayer.
Cayer was the second high school football coach in the Los Angeles area to suffer a heart attack this year. Diamond Ranch head coach Eric Martinez started having chest pains during a game against Glendora and was treated by athletic trainers. He later underwent surgery and has since returned to coaching.
