LSU Kinesiology's Benson honored by Texas Legislature for heroism
04/02/15
LSU School of Kinesiology’s Amanda Benson was honored by the Texas legislature for her heroic life-saving actions.
Amanda Benson and Linda Bobo, Program Director-ELM Athletic Training at Stephen F. Austin State University, were attending a conference in Dallas, Texas, in January 2013, when they realized a man driving in front of them was in some form of distress. Implementing their athletic training skills, Dr. Benson and Dr. Bobo gave the man cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until the emergency response team arrived, saving his life.
“I’m very grateful, very appreciative. They were very well versed in CPR and knew exactly what to do,” said Mark Paxton. “It is ironic because I had no sense or idea of what they looked like. My first recollection was coming around when the paramedics arrived. We have had two reunions, once each year when they come back to the annual conference.”
In conjunction with National Athletic Training Month, Drs. Amanda Benson and Linda Bobo were recognized in both the Senate and the House of Representative at the Texas Capitol for their life-saving actions. The Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association met at the State Capitol for Hit the Hill in Austin as March 25, 2015 was declared Licensed Athletic Trainer Day by the Texas House of Representatives with the reading of the resolution.
House Resolution 1021 has been formally recognized as Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association Legislative Day at the State Capitol. The resolution acknowledged athletic trainers for their dedication to providing quality medical care to athletes, and their commitment to raising awareness on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries.
Athletic trainers’ life-saving efforts from the past two year were recognized at this biennial event.
“Never does anyone wake up and say, I hope I get to use my CPR skills today. Year after year of learning this technique, it is not until one is called into action that you become grateful for the continual re-learning. On that fateful day, Amanda and I never stopped, asked questions, or had to re-gather our thoughts. We were succinct and robotic. God blessed us that day,” said Dr. Bobo.
Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of muscle and bone injuries and illnesses, and are educated in emergency care for catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, sudden cardiac arrest, heat illness and concussions.
“We impact peoples' lives. How many medical professions have the ability to build life-long friendships with their patients? Ours does,” said Dr. Bobo. “We invest in our patients from the beginning to the end.”
According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, athletic trainers are clinically and academically qualified to medically treat patients and clients of all ages in any physical setting. Public safety, injury and illness prevention, and early intervention are keystones to the practice of athletic training.
Dr. Benson is the Assistant Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Program and Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the School of Kinesiology. Prior to her arrival at LSU, Dr. Benson worked at Troy University where she served in various capacities from 2003-2014 including the clinical coordinator, department chair and program director for athletic training.
About SOK
The LSU School of Kinesiology advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement.
Visit the School of Kinesiology at lsu.edu/kinesiology
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. Formed in 2012, CHSE brings together programs and capitalizes on individual strengths to create a dynamic new college that addresses the socially significant issues we face as a state and nation. The College is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 977 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is continually working to improve its programs.
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at chse.lsu.edu.