Independence Local Schools student-athletes, coaches, and local first responders came together at Alumni Stadium on August 13 for the district’s first athletic emergency safety drill, providing participants with hands-on experience in how to respond if a serious medical emergency occurs during an athletic event.
The drill involved the Independence High School football and girls soccer teams and was conducted in coordination with the Independence Fire Department, Independence Police Department, and Cleveland Clinic Athletic Trainer Olivia Jackson.
During the exercise, participants worked through simulated sudden cardiac arrest and cervical spine, or C-spine, injury emergencies. The scenarios gave student-athletes and coaches an opportunity to see firsthand how coaches, athletic training staff, and emergency personnel would respond during a medical emergency on the field.
“The goal is to make sure our students and coaches understand what will happen in an emergency and that everyone involved is prepared to respond appropriately,” said Athletic Director Danny Zillich. “These drills and conversations help our students and staff understand emergency best practices and the important role everyone plays in keeping our student-athletes safe.”
The stadium drill is the first step in a broader, year-round effort involving all athletic teams at Independence High School and Independence Middle School. Over the coming weeks, fall teams and coaches will participate in similar simulations, practices, or conversations focused on emergency procedures and what student-athletes can expect if an emergency occurs during a practice or competition.
The initiative will carry over to winter and spring athletics as well, with teams participating in similar emergency preparedness activities at the beginning of or during their respective seasons.
Superintendent Kelli Cogan said the collaboration among the schools, city safety forces and Cleveland Clinic athletic training staff is an important part of the district’s approach to student safety.
“Preparing for an emergency before one happens is critical,” said Cogan. “By bringing our student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainer, and first responders together, everyone has an opportunity to understand their role and practice how they would respond. We appreciate the partnership of Independence Police, Independence Fire, and Cleveland Clinic in helping us provide this important learning experience for our students and staff.”
