Teenager collapses on Huntley High track Monday, revived by portable defibrillator

A teenage athlete was taken to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest Monday evening during a track meet at Huntley High School.

The Huntley Fire Protection District responded at 7:20 p.m. Monday to the high school at 13719 Harmony Road for the report of someone in cardiac arrest on the track, according to fire district officials.

Emergency personnel were notified en route that CPR was in progress and there was an automated external defibrillator on the scene.

Before crews arrived, dispatchers said the AED delivered a shock, and they believed the teen had a pulse.

Huntley EMS personnel arrived in five minutes from the time of dispatch and found a 16-year-old boy at the end of the track “being tended to by an off-duty paramedic and Huntley High School staff,” officials said.

The teen was taken to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital in stable condition, according to officials.

Huntley Community School District 158 officials say the medical emergency occurred during the freshman-sophomore Fox Valley Conference boys track championship meet.

Officials said a communication was sent to the families of boys track athletes because many of the athletes witnessed the event.

“While we try not to have information circulating publicly before communication comes directly from the school, we must balance timely communication with accuracy, care, and respect for the student, family, and all those involved in situations like this. Thank you for giving us the time and space to gather appropriate information before reaching out to our larger community,” according to a communication sent out Tuesday morning to staff, families and students, signed by Huntley High Principal Marcus Belin and shared with Shaw Local.

Belin wrote that the athlete from another school “experienced a serious medical emergency and collapsed on the track.”

Huntley High athletic training staff, staff members, coaches, emergency personnel and medically trained professionals who were present at the meet responded immediately.

Emergency medical protocols were initiated before emergency medical services personnel from the fire district arrived, officials said.

Huntley athletic trainers “did what they were trained to do, but more importantly, they showed what it means to stay calm, focused, and composed in a life-changing moment. Their immediate actions, professionalism, teamwork, and ability to respond under pressure helped save a young man’s life tonight.”

Belin said he couldn’t be prouder of the way athletic trainers, coaches, staff members and emergency personnel supported the student.

Belin also encouraged parents and guardians to take time to check in with their teens, answer questions and provide support if needed.

“As a community, we also ask everyone to be mindful and respectful when discussing the incident online or through social media. Behind every social media post and conversation is a student, a family, teammates, and people processing a very real and emotional situation,” Belin wrote.

“Our thoughts remain with the student, their family, teammates, and school community during this time,” Belin said.