Lifesavers: Hurricane wrestlers dive into action, save Idaho man’s life

HURRICANE – Two wrestlers from Hurricane High School are being praised for prompt action during a medical emergency in Orem on Feb. 11.

According to coach Ryan Christiansen, Allan Madsen and Devin English helped him perform CPR on a man experiencing a heart attack at the Comfort Inn where he and the Tiger wrestlers were staying ahead of the Class 3A wrestling tournament at Utah Valley University.

“We were in our rooms when we heard a lady yelling for help,” Christiansen said. “We ran out the door, but didn’t know what to expect. The boys were brave. They ran in ready to do what was needed.”

They found the man, later identified as Kent Moser of Preston, Idaho, sitting in a chair having difficulty breathing.

“I ran in and instantly felt for a pulse,” Madsen said.

“We put the man on the floor and did CPR on him for seven or eight minutes,” Christiansen said.

Madsen called 911 and eventually medical personnel came and took over.

Christiansen said he understood that Moser was taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and will eventually be able to return to his Idaho home.

His wife Kathy posted on Facebook, “I have no doubt that was divine intervention for them to be there. They saved his life.”

Coincidentally, the Mosers were returning to Idaho after spending time in Southern Utah.

“We understood that Mr. Moser had had back surgery in St. George a few weeks ago and had had a checkup and was returning to Idaho when they stopped in Orem,” Hurricane athletic director Chris Homer said. “We’re just really proud our coaches and kids reacted the way they did. It was courageous to go help.”

Christiansen lauded his student-athletes for their unselfishness.

“What impressed me more than anything is only the Hurricane wrestling team went to help,” Christiansen said. “I’m proud of the boys that they were willing to help.”

Christiansen said he and Madsen, who did CPR while English took Moser’s pulse, had both received training from team trainer Marcus Homer. English took the class last year.

“He did a good job training us,” Christiansen said.

“This was a situation you can never really prepare for,” Madsen said. “I just acted upon what I felt I needed to. Giving her husband back is the best feeling I’ve had.”

“I felt like we needed to be there at that time,” English said.

Madsen wrestled three matches, winning one and losing two. English went 2-1.

“Having that experience is something that will impact my life more than a placement at state will,” Madsen said.

“It was a really good experience for putting everything in perspective,” said English. “We all did what we were supposed to.”

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Twitter: @oldschoolag

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