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November 1, 1999
Like most student athletic trainers, Delano Lopez is accustomed to treating the usual athlete injuries-sprains, pulled muscles and sore tendons. His training, however, recently was put to the test when his quick response and preparedness saved a man's life.
When Bob DiMeo, the referee at the men's soccer game at Rutgers-Camden, suffered a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, Lopez, a student trainer since 1997, jumped into action. He noticed DiMeo showing signs of anaphylactic shock after his airway became blocked and he started convulsing. "I remembered I had one Epi-pen in my medical kit," Lopez recalled. "I ran and got the pen and gave it to the Rutgers trainer." Rutgers trainer Tom Maxwell administered the shot and DiMeo soon became responsive. Lopez and Maxwell maintained an open airway for DiMeo and monitored his blood pressure until the EMT crew arrived.
"I knew what had to be done and I knew help was on its way," Lopez said. "I thought, if I can help sustain this man's life, than I'll be doing my job."
And it is the job of the athletic trainer that was honored on Oct. 23 during the Athletic Department's own Certified Athletic Trainer Recognition Day.
According to 16-year Head Athletic Trainer John Davis, the MSU training staff treats nearly 3,000 athletes per year.
Gov. Whitman recognized the efforts of athletic trainers throughout state when she proclaimed the week of Sept. 19 as Athletic Trainer Appreciation Week. Because there were no home games that week, the MSU Athletic Department set its own day of recognition and the governor's proclamation was read at the volleyball, football and soccer games.
"Our dedicated athletic trainers give a great deal of time and effort to keep our athletes safe and healthy," said Athletic Director Holly Gera.
Lopez, who plans to become a full-time athletic trainer, said his training experience helped him through that crucial moment. "The MSU athletic staff gives us a lot of responsibilities and training to make sure they're putting people out into that environment who know what they're doing," he said.