In the wake of tragedy, it is easy to point a mournful finger at what could have — what should have — been done to prevent the hurt felt by so many. In the case of Jaxon Logan, the IceCat that passed away after going into cardiac arrest when a puck hit his chest, pointed fingers can be returned with calm assurances. Everything that could have been done, was done.

Sara Beaudry is the team’s certified athletic trainer and head of the medical staff. She was at Jaxon’s side in seconds, administering CPR and going through an evaluation she has been thoroughly trained in. The coach, Matt Beaudry (her father), is also a certified paramedic and made sure that nothing was delayed in the treatment of his No. 11 player.

The paramedics, who were called immediately, arrived in just four minutes.

Much speculation has gone into whether or not Jaxon’s life could have been saved had Beaudry administered treatment via the defibrillator (the twin paddles used to give a heart a jolt when it goes into arrest) sooner.

However, it’s one of the most widely misunderstood pieces of equipment used in emergency situations. The defibrillator literally de-fibrillates. When a heart fibrillates, it vibrates or flutters. The rhythm is abnormal, and a jolt can help the blood start flowing correctly again. If a heart flatlines, a defibrillator won’t do any good. Perhaps we can thank those TV doctors, teaching us that a straight line is a time to shock the patient, for our ignorance. This bit of information is fiction.

Moreover, the paddles can’t just be slapped on anyone’s chest. Certified medical professionals have been trained to conduct a thorough evaluation to know when the time is right to administer a jolt. Sara Beaudry, who had the tool in her possession before the paramedics got there, could not have used it before she did.

Sadly, not even the defibrillator could have saved Jaxon’s life.

And after several conferences with multiple doctors, the staff was assured that Jaxon wasn’t wronged in anyway. His body was given everything it needed to be revived, and still it wasn’t.

But, the bottom line is that no one is at fault.

The story of Jaxon Logan is a story of doing all that could be done and being everything anyone could be.

Sara Beaudry was everything a medical head of staff could be. A lesser trainer wouldn’t have had the equipment ready. A lesser professional would have hesitated where Sara reacted instinctually.

Matt Beaudry was everything a coach could have been. A lesser coach wouldn’t have assisted in CPR, tirelessly. A lesser leader wouldn’t have been trained to make sure that he could do this if tragedy were to strike.

Ryan Newton was everything a friend could have been. A lesser player wouldn’t have skated off the ice, escorting his teammate who could not. A lesser companion would have left Jaxon’s side.

And Jaxon Logan was everything he could have been. A lesser athlete wouldn’t have jumped in front of the shot. A lesser person wouldn’t be remembered as so well-loved.

Perhaps in the hurt of wondering what else could have saved someone so worth saving, the answer of “nothing” just doesn’t quite satisfy. But other questions have more positive answers. For example: What was done for this player so valued? What did they think of when they held his life in their hands? …What did he mean to us? The answer to all three: everything.



Copyright Brigham Young University 28 Jan 2005