Fast Reaction Saves Umpire's Life

Nov. 1, 2020

PHOENIX – Quick action by a Senior Softball director, player and spectator saved the life of SSUSA Umpire Tracy Farmer, who collapsed with a heart attack and stopped breathing during the 50 Major division World Championships here last weekend.

Tracy Farmer was officiating a 50 Major game and walking toward the third base dugout at Papago Park when he collapsed.

Immediately calls for 911 went out, and SSUSA Director Mike Hula and Umpire in Charge Bill Medved converged on the scene with the defibrillator and first aid pack.

Donnie Hudson, a player from the Stadium team from California was talking to and attempting to confirm that Farmer was still breathing, and aware of his surroundings.  Wendy Smith, at the tournament with Lighthouse Lookouts from Georgia, was helping Hudson.

Hula took charge.

“I began by verifying with Donnie that Tracy had an open airway and then began checking for a pulse in the carotid artery and I found it to be weak, but still pulsing,” said Hula. “However, within 10 to15 seconds Tracy’s started to convulse, his eyes rolled back and his breathing stopped and I lost the pulse.” 

“We removed his upper body clothing and Donnie started CPR while, I took the defibrillator and began to open up the pads and place them in the proper positions, then we waited for the machine to verify the need to shock, cleared everyone near Tracy, and I applied the current to restart Tracy’s heart,” said Hula.  “After the initial shock, and within a few seconds he opened his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Donnie and I talked with him to confirm he was better and waited there till the EMTs arrived,” said Hula.

Tracy Farmer had surgery a few days later and on Wednesday flew home with his son to Tumwater, Wash.  

Mike Hula

Donnie Hudson and Wendy Smith