PBC Athletic Trainers Work Together to Save Life of Lander Professor

reenwood, S.C.-- Prior to the basketball contest on Jan. 20 between Peach Belt Conference members Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) and Lander University, athletic trainers from both institutions were called into action. Daniel Hinely, Armstrong Atlantic’s Head Athletic Trainer, and Daniel Hannah, Director of Lander’s Athletic Training curriculum, worked together to administer CPR to a Lander faculty member who had become unconscious on the sidewalk outside of Lander’s John Drummond Complex.

As the AASU bus arrived on the Lander campus, the bus driver noticed a man fall to the ground on a nearby sidewalk. Hinely quickly left the bus, assessed the man’s status, called EMS on his cell phone, and began CPR. The man, later identified as assistant professor Charles Sacoco, was not breathing and had suffered a heart attack. The AASU bus driver went inside the nearby Drummond Complex to find additional help and to locate an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED was secured by Hannah who assisted Hinely with its use as well as assisting with CPR until an ambulance arrived on the scene. The ambulance transported the Lander professor to a nearby hospital and is reported to be doing well. The quick actions of Hinely and Hannah were credited with saving the man’s life.

Lander's Daniel Hannah	Armstrong Atlantic State's Daniel Hinely

Hinely is the treasurer of the Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association (GATA) and received his undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from Valdosta State University and his graduate degree in Health Promotion from Georgia College & State University.

"I'm glad that professor Sacoco is on his way to full recovery due to the efforts of not only myself but the entire Lander University athletic training staff and the Greenwood EMS personnel," Hinely said. "You go through so much training for situations like these but never expect to put them in action. I'm just happy to have been able to provide the necessary treatment at the right time."

Hannah directs the undergraduate athletic training curriculum in the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science at Lander and received his graduate degree from East Tennessee State University. Previously, he served as assistant athletic trainer in the Lander Athletics Department.

The Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association is an organization committed to education of its members and enhancement of the profession of athletic training, leading to better healthcare for the population which it serves. The GATA is proudly composed of licensed athletic trainers in many different settings. Over 700 licensed athletic trainers from professional, collegiate, and high school teams to industries, physician offices, and rehabilitation clinics all work together to promote and practice the profession of athletic training within the state of Georgia. Follow the GATA on Twitter (GATAInfo).