Student Athlete Collapses During Field Hockey Game

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- A Baltimore County student collapses in the middle of a field hockey game.

The cause is still a mystery, but as Gigi Barnett reports, coaches worked fast to save her life.

Perry Hall High School's junior varsity field hockey team had just scored the winning point against Catonsville High School Tuesday afternoon when, in the middle of the celebration, one student dropped to the field. Coaches from both sides, parents and other students ran to her side.

"They immediately started administering CPR and at the same time, calling 911," said Perry Hall principal George Roberts.

Medics rushed the student to St. Agnes Hospital and later Shock Trauma. The reason for the collapse is unknown.

Roberts says he's reached out to other parents about the incident.

"We have a game management plan so all the athletic directors in Baltimore have a game management plan where things like this are covered," Roberts said.

"You unfortunately hear about it a lot. Perfectly healthy kids and then all of a sudden, these things happen to them," said one parent.

That's why some parents are concerned, especially in contact sports.

"There are a lot of things that I see out on the field," said Paula Espinoza.

Espinoza is a nurse whose son plays soccer. She says most parents know about the sports their teens play, but not the dangers.

"I know what to look for, but at the same time, I'm appalled that they don't have more education for parents," Espinoza said.

While doctors are still closely watching the student, the district says all students are required to have a physical exam before playing any sport.

The school district says the student---who is not being identified---is no longer in life-threatening condition but she is still undergoing tests to determine the cause of the collapse.

The school district requires all athletic departments to have defibrillators near the field but one was not used on the student.