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Online now: 3 members: RCIZZLE6, TABLE SETTER 11, kilyi360; 127 anonymousDiscussion: PLAY OF THE TOURNAMENT (SSWC)
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| Oct. 25, 2011 SteveSimmons 66 posts | PLAY OF THE TOURNAMENT (SSWC) I worked as a field director during sessions I (40 Men’s) & III (50 & 55 Major Plus and some 50 AAA) at Thompson Peak Park and played during session II at the Papago complex (65 Major). During those 10 days the play of the tournament occurred on Friday, October 21 in a 50 AAA game between Doerflinger, WA and El Paso Old School, TX. I was called to the dugout of the Doerflinger team where team sponsor and player Brad Doerflinger was experiencing a heart attack. I had a defibrillator in hand and was prepared to use it, but to my relief, Bill Bollier a player on the DT Express, GA team who is a trained EMT rushed in and took control of the situation. Doerflinger never lost consciousness and never lost a pulse but was in obvious distress. Bollier stayed with him while the rescue squad was called and were on their way. Bollier kept Doerflinger sitting upright as long as possible, to facilitate his blood flow, and refused to let him lapse into unconsciousness. He continued to vigourously massage Doerflinger’s chest and to shake him periodically, again to help the blood flow by what were obvious blockages in his arteries. He had the presence of mind to ask for aspirin which, fortunately, one of the bystanders possessed. He crushed the aspirin in a cup of water and had Doerflinger drink that right away in an attempt to thin his blood to aid the blood flow. Within minutes the rescue squad arrived, an extremely swift response time, and transported Doerflinger to a nearby hospital. Approximately one hour later Doerflinger was being operated on and having stents put in his arteries. Word had it that he was doing fine the next day. Hands down the play of the tournament was turned in by Bill Bollier with his response to the heart attack and the swift and professional way in which he handled the situation. Believe me, I thanked God that Bollier was there at Doerflinger’s side instead of me. Steve Simmons – SSUSA National Director |
| Oct. 25, 2011 Richie B Men's 60 17 posts | Steve, thats a wonderful experiance with a great ending....thanks for sharing such a heartwarming story with us...(no pun intended lol.) Richie B N.Y Motion |
| Oct. 25, 2011 ShaneV Men's 55 393 posts | Great work again by Senior Softball, Director Steve Simmons and player Bill Bollier. Played with and managed Ric (sponsor) and Brad, his brother in 2009 and first half of 2010, both softball friends of mine. Thank you. And Brad get better soon! I'll say it again and again, until everyone gets on board, we are all senior softball, there is no "they". Be a part of this. If you care to just play and make no other contribution that's fine. If there is something more you could do, do more and criticize less. If you have not run a World Tournament for 340 teams AND saved a life in the process, then what qualifies you to say they charge too much, they should have the results all posted in real time, they, they, they... I hear it all the time. "They" is a concept that allows one to blame others for whatever. "We" is a concept that takes charge and can do anything. And SSUSA is one of the best softball organizations that ever came along and managed consistant success. And they do it all for you, not for themselves. ShaneV |
| Oct. 26, 2011 Webbie25 Men's 70 2413 posts | Bill Bollier-great work! The story of the tournament by far. Steve-thanks for bringing it out. Shane-you said it all-great post! One of the things they did last year at the convention-which I AGAIN urge anyone to attend- was to offer CPR and Defibrillation training at no cost to anyone there. All Directors are trained and if Bill had not been there, I am sure Steve would have handled the situation. The Desperados send their prayers for a quick recovery to Brad, and his family. |
| Oct. 26, 2011 SteveSimmons 66 posts | I posted this message to give due recognition to Bill Bollier but I would be remiss if I didn't also mention the efforts of co-director Doug Robbins. Doug was the first to respond and he called 911 to get the rescue squad on the way, he alerted me to what was transpiring and he was instrumental in directing traffic and enabling the response to occur as swiftly as it did. I am privileged to be a part of the SSUSA team. |
| Oct. 26, 2011 Brad Doerflinger 3 posts | Happily ever after... Let me start out this message with the same thanks and appreciation. First and foremost I would like to thank Bill for his professionalism, compassion, skill and the willingness to step-up. And of course all my friends and teammates who's thoughts and prayers, I believe, is what is allowing me to write this today. I know I also had support and prayer from many SSUSA players and supporters that I've never met, and that I do appreciate. And a shout-out to my Coach Ken Childress, Steve with his De-fib and Doug for the coordination of this "lifesaving" story. Now the story and maybe a message. Background; I'm 52, always been very active, workout, walk the golf courses, don't drink, don't smoke and well, don't chew anymore as of Friday and so-on. I do own part of this story, because I know more than my doctors, so I thought. I've worked in the Fire Service now for 32 years and this stuff doesn't happen to me, it happens to others and I'm the one running to the adjoining field, like Bill did. I have a family history of high cholesterol, was directed by my doc to take my meds, but hey they made my muscles sore, and softball season was approaching, you know the rest... (message) Event; Second game of the AM on Friday, after running the bases in the first inning, I began having chest and jaw pain, but then again this stuff doesn't happen to me. By the sixth (5th?) inning the pain had intensified, I couldn't get a breath, someone had turned up the brightness of the world and I realized this WAS happening to me, beginning about 45 minutes earlier. Walked off the field and finally said "uncle"... (message) The rest is described well above, although there's one minor detail that deserve some additional clarification. It may have seemed like I never lost consciousness and I may not have, but I did leave just for a moment. Outcome; After the fine care of you all and Scottsdale FD’s finest, I arrived at the Mayo Clinic with 100% occlusion (blockage) of my Right Coronary Artery . Into and out of surgery in less than an hour and I’m now the proud owner/operator of my first stent. The echo cardiogram (to measure heart damage) shows less than 1% damage. I left the hospital Sunday afternoon with no physical restrictions, and a pile of medications that I WILL be taking. (message) oh, some nicotine gum too... Of course some follow up tests to come, bottom line………….. how blessed am I? Speaking of Blessed. I would like to thank EVERYONE who kept me in their thoughts during this life changing time. Unfortunately it’s true, sometimes it takes a life altering event to put life into perspective. When it comes down to it, it’s the love of family and friends that really matters. All the other stuff is just that, stuff. I felt it appropriate to write this message, I owe so many people thanks. So from me Brad Doerflinger and my family to my SSUSA family…. Thank You All So Much…. See you on the field next year... YES! |
| Oct. 26, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | brad congrats on getting thru it all and hopefully we can see you back out on the field.yup it only takes one incident to enlighten us..... |
| Oct. 26, 2011 canIjack Men's 60 322 posts | Yes Brad, when it comes down to it, it’s the love of family and friends that really matters. All the other stuff is just that, stuff. AMEN BRAD. You were truly Blessed! Thank God,.... and thank SSWC for being papered with the Defibrillator. Question....Can or Will all SSWC tourneys have a Defibrillator on hand at all its Events? Isn't it Minatory? If it isn't it should. I had a friend who had a heart attack at a qualifier in So Cal a few years ago. There wasn't a Defibrillator on site and he passed. Congrates Brad you are Blessed to play again. |
| Oct. 26, 2011 SSUSA Staff 3483 posts | canljack (and others) - SSUSA has an AED at all playing locations in all tournaments we directly administer, and has done so for several years. The Field Directors are required to have their CPR/AED training certification current not less frequently than annually (despite most certifications having a two-year term). SSUSA also requires all contract Tournament Directors to have an AED and trained personnel on-site, precisely because of the tragedy of the SoCal incident you describe. Our experience has been that it takes some courageous people around with a desire to assist, a quick responding team of professionals from the local Fire Dept. and a bit of luck to contribute to a successful 'save' opportunity. Fortunately, again, all of those items happened to converge at the right time last week! Best wishes, Brad, for a full and speedy recovery. |
| Oct. 26, 2011 ShaneV Men's 55 393 posts | SSUSA shipped (at their expense) an AED to me for the 2011 SSUSA Classic Rock at the RAC in August, 26 teams on 4 fields in 2 days, 4GG! As director, player and umpire, I was probably most at risk!!! Maggie was assigned to assist me and shipped the device, rosters and game cards, and provided additional assistance, including some tech tips that helped me a ton with schedules! I shipped back the completed paperwork and AED. By the way, Maggie is the best!!! We have a fire/aid station across the parking lot from the RAC and figure we're very lucky in so many ways to play at this location. Our league and the facility do not have an AED yet but it's in our plans this offseason to acquire one specifically for the facility and it's customers, senior and otherwise. If any of our SSUSA tournaments in 2012 includes multiple facilities, SSUSA will send us an additional device so that we're covered. Brad will likely be playing here but should not need the device, now that his eyes and arteries have been opened (pun intended)! Don't know what we would do without you Brad! There are many people involved with SSUSA, though not really enough, doing their all to serve the players, coaches, managers and sponsors in every way they can. I believe in every single case SSUSA staff are not compensated relative to the jobs they do, as compared to similar jobs and responsibilities elsewhere, essentially "volunteering" their time and expertise for your benefit, only because they love what they do, in the snow in Reno, in the heat in Phoenix, anywhere, anytime. "We" are all blessed along with Brad. ShaneV ps. When can we get together and hit Brad?!? |
| Oct. 26, 2011 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | come on shane give him at least a week,now....LOL..... |
| Oct. 26, 2011 Brad Doerflinger 3 posts | Shane, what the???? ""ps. When can we get together and hit Brad?!?"" Sounds like you want to get everyone together and beat the crap out of me... ha.. I'll survive that too.. Actually the plan next year included me wearing an AED prewired on my back, a little recharge between games and I'm golden.. |
| Nov. 2, 2011 ShaneV Men's 55 393 posts | Left out the comma... "ps. When can we get together and hit, Brad?!?" You scared the heck out of all of us! Take care of that ticker, chief... ShaneV |
| Nov. 3, 2011 Brad Doerflinger 3 posts | Sorry for the scare it won't happen again. I've started my rehab and should be ready for that BP sometime after the first of the year. I've got a few cuts left over that I didn't use in Phoenix..... See you soon.. |
| Nov. 6, 2011 DT 0 12 posts | Steve and Brad, Thanks for all the kind words. I did not do anything that any other triained paramedic would not have done in that situation. But I would like to make a reccommendation to a senior softball teams at any age. (1) We will deny until we die (2) Every team should have a bottle of 325 mg adult asprin in there bat bags ( not tylenol or ibuprofen) (3) Keep them sitting up as long as possible and arouse them with a sternum rub or painful stimuli when they start to go unconscious. Do not pour cold water on them. This triggers a vagal maneuver which increases heart rate and workload on heart muscle. (4) Call 911 before you do anything. Bill |
| Nov. 6, 2011 SteveSimmons 66 posts | Bill, Those steps that you have outlined, and that I saw you apply to Brad while he was suffering a heart attack but hadn't lost his pulse, were extremely instructional. We, as SSUSA directors, learn how to treat a person by using CPR (chest compressions and resuscitation breaths 30/2) and we learn how to use a defibrillator. On four different occasions SSUSA directors have used this trainig to help revive individuals who lost a pulse. But my experience has been dealing with persons experiencing a heart attack but who remained conscious. This was the second time I was involved in such a situation. Quite frankly I wouldn't have known the correct steps to follow. I am extremely grateful that you stepped in and cared for Brad and the procedure that you performed is etched in my mind. I hope as many people as possible read this post to learn the proper technique, one never knows when it might be needed. I will convey this information at our annual CPR training and we have added aspirin to all our first aid kits. Thanks so much for your help, Steve Simmons |
| Nov. 6, 2011 d45 160 posts | Steve, you know who this is. I have had the "Big Event." I thank God that He gave me a second chance as well. One thing that I would like to add to this discussion. I do agree that all of us should carry aspirin in their bag. Here's the aspirin I carry. It is called Bayer Quick Release Crystals Extra Strength. It is 850 mg. They come in narrow thin pouches and you quickly tear it open and put it in the person's mouth. They disolve very quickly into the blood stream, and have almost 3x's quicker response than what a 325 mg aspirin has. I don't work for a pharamacy company, in fact, I am a retired teacher nine years ago. My only reason for posting this is hopefully to save lives. We lost a teammate almost years ago in a tournament, and I wish there had be a AED there, now there is, thanks to awareness and training of dedicated SSUSA staff and others. I, for one, want to take the CPR training. Thank you, Steve, Bill, and to all who are willing to step in and save lives on and off the softball field. |
| Nov. 6, 2011 d45 160 posts | I want to add a correction. We lost a teammate almost four years ago in a tournament. I didn't get that into my post. |
| Nov. 16, 2011 $Bill Men's 65 12 posts | relatively new to the site but did want to thank you guys for passing on the information of what to do in the event it ever happens in my presence. nothing worse then not being able to help someone in a time of need especially if it is a love one. $Bill NYMotion |
