Last week, Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills went into cardiac arrest during a primetime NFL football game. The nation saw live the importance of having a trained and equipped sports medicine staff available; the quick response from the athletic trainers, doctors, and EMTs saved Hamlin’s life.

At Priory, we are proud to have Mr. Derrick Neuner, MAT, LAT, ATC, as our athletic trainer. Mr. Neuner works through St. Luke’s Hospital to provide sports medicine care to all Priory athletes. In 2021, Priory was distinguished by the National Athletic Training Association as a 1st Team Safe Sport School. This designation recognizes that Priory promotes safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities, create and rehearses venue-specific Emergency Action Plans, and provides a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes.

Hamlin’s injury also highlighted the importance of CPR-trained individuals and AED placement. During outdoor sports activity, Mr. Neuner has an AED with him at all times. Additionally, an AED is located in the lobby of the gymnasium complex. In Missouri, all coaches, for all levels, are required to be CPR certified through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. The coaching staffs and Mr. Neuner review our emergency action plans each season with our athletic director, Mr. Phil Brotherton, to assure they are prepared in the event of a medical emergency.

We thank Mr. Neuner and Mr. Brotherton for their commitment to providing a safe and positive athletic experience for all Priory athletes.