NHL Player Collapses, Revived Thanks To Quick Actions & AED

On March 10, 2014, Richard Peverley of the NHL’s Dallas Stars had just finished a shift on the ice, and while sitting on the bench, without warning, collapsed. Thanks to the quick actions of the Stars’ medical staff and trainers, and the foresight of the National Hockey League, Richard is alive and doing well.

Let’s go back to November 21, 2005 and revisit the scene at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, a scene remarkably similar to that in Dallas. Red Wings defenseman Jiri Fischer was between shifts on the bench when he suddenly collapsed. Although today’s protocols were not in place back in 2005, he was, fortunately, revived thanks to the rapid response of the team doctor, and also through the use of an AED.

The outcome for Richard Peverley could have been much different. Tragic, in fact. We hear and read stories about people, athletes and non-athletes, collapsing and lives being lost, while the technology exists to help keep sudden cardiac arrest from claiming another victim. On the flip side, we also hear about lives being saved by AEDs and CPR, when there was foresight enough to have an AED in place.

That incident in 2005 (and several others through the years), prompted the NHL to direct that an AED be present in every NHL arena, and that doctors be positioned closer to each bench during the game. Hockey players are some of the most physically well-conditioned athletes, and these incidents prove that sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time.

Richard Peverley is very fortunate, and has expressed his gratitude to the team doctors and staff, and the EMTs, for their quick response, and to the NHL for the wisdom to enact the protocols that saved his life. We at the AED Superstore wish to thank all of those involved, as well.