MANLIUS -- June 15th was supposed to be an uneventful day for Fayetteville-Manlius athletic trainer Cyndi Kelder. There wasn't a game, but local teens were at F-M trying out for an upcoming lacrosse tournament. Everything was quiet until Jamesville-DeWitt Sophomore Dan Cochran was hit in the chest by a lacrosse ball.
Cochran says he remembers covering his man, getting hit by the ball and then taking a few steps before falling.
Seconds later, Cochran was not breathing and didn't have a pulse. Coaches immediately started CPR as Cyndi Kelder headed for the field. She had a automated external defibrillator with her and delivered a shock to Cochran's heart.
"Even though I know what I'm doing - it was one of those where you need to focus in. It's a scary moment but I put it on and it starts doing it's thing," said Kelder.
Less than three minutes from when he was hit, Cochran was back. He had a strong pulse and blood pressure.
"I got so lucky. It was perfect conditions for me to be saved," said Cochran.
On Monday, the F-M School Board honored Kelder for her quick action and Section III Lacrosse Chairman Tom Hall for having certified coaches and a trainer at the tryout. Cochran's parents also got to thank Kelder for giving them their son back.
"The condition of his heart, what it was doing and they recognized it right away. It's phenomenal. We can't thank them enough," said Cochran's father, Sean Boland.
Not only does Dan Cochran have his life back but he played in four lacrosse games this past weekend.
"It's definitely changed my perception of a lot of things," said Cochran.
Cochran's father says he will buy him a special plate that will protect his chest and Dan says he will consider wearing it.
