Fisrt Aid training for Umpires?

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I understand that many of you are going to jump on this but please tell me how you are going to perform CPR in your plate gear? Bending over a victim with a West Vest and kneeling on shin guards?

Start by taking your mask off.

[MikeStrybel]

Alright, it appears that we have gotten where I had not intended. I love seeing cbfoulds post here. Thank you for the expertise. Most states have Good Samaritan provisions - IOW, if you act in a way to help, your liability is limited or dismissed. It's difficult to hurt someone who isn't breathing and/or their heart is stopped. Do whatever helps you sleep better at night.

As for the question of how I can work CPR or administer first aid in a WV and shin guards, it's easy. I became a PADI Master Scuba Instructor years ago. I have had the occassion to perform CPR in full gear, WHILE in the water. You do what you need to do. I have had to give emergency care while still in my wetsuit, BCD and tank while in a cinfined boat, too. If a fireman (politically incorrect, I realize) can do it in full turn outs, so can I in my less cumbersome WV and shinguards.

The advice about allowing experts step in is terrific. However, we don't all have the luxury of working ball in places with trainers and quick ambulance service. I know umpires who carry extra equipment and uniforms as a precaution. It seems like a short leap to learn a life saving skill, just in case, as well.

As a close, I lost a good friend to a heart attack a few years ago. He was dressed in his plate gear and the game was just getting ready to go when he had a heart attack. Scott died far too young.