Child hit by baseball in Henefer, hospitalized; coach helps save life

HENEFER, Summit County — A youth baseball coach's quick actions Tuesday evening likely helped save the life of a child hit by a baseball.

The child was participating in baseball practice at Henefer Town Park, according to a statement from the North Summit Fire District. At approximately 5 p.m., the child was struck by a baseball and suffered a medical emergency.

Before first responders had arrived on the scene, the child's baseball coach had begun performing CPR. The coach's willingness to act made a "critical difference," the statement read.

As they arrived, first responders continued lifesaving efforts, including the use of a defibrillator to restore the child's pulse.

After this, the child was flown via medical helicopter to Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital for treatment.

The fire district said this incident serves as a reminder of why CPR and AED training are critical.

"When cardiac arrest occurs, the actions taken by bystanders before first responders arrive can make the difference between life and death," the fire district said.

The identity of the child has not been released.

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