After Cornell University defenseman George Boiardi was struck in the chest with a lacrosse ball in the closing minutes of a 2004 collegiate game, he collapsed to the turf, and his heart stopped. The shot he blocked had killed him.
It was literally a million-to-one shot, if not more unlikely. But in a sport as fast-growing as lacrosse, an event that uncommon will happen multiple times at the college and high school level, says a new study.
The article indicates that the cause of Boiardi's death, commotio cordis, is treatable. In 2008, two players were stricken with commotio cordis but were able to survive with the help of defibrillators.
U.S. Lacrosse, in conjunction with medical professionals, has been working to develop a chest protector which will prevent future deaths.
As evidenced by the popular "21 Run" and the #21 jerseys which dot the stands at Cornell sporting events, Boiardi was a good guy. We should be doing all we can to protect our athletes.
No comments:
Post a Comment