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Players should learn CPR and first aid
Source : staff   
Monday, 18 February 2008 20:01

The unexpected death of veteran cager Rick Alegre last week triggered a call that players in various leagues, not only in basketball, should learn how to administer first aid and basic Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR.

Alegre died last Wednesday, in what could have been a possible heart attack, while playing for Aqua Resort Club against Hyatt Regency Saipan in the 2nd Annual HANMI Cup Inter-Hotel Basketball League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Pastor Ramir H. Trinidad, who is a close fried of Alegre, suggested that officials of future leagues should conduct basic first aid and CPR in order to prevent further incidents like this in the future.

HANMI Cup coordinator Lito Espino said he is in favor of the idea of having seminars about first aid and CPR before a league opens. “As long as there is someone who is going to do the seminar and it's free. Maybe we could ask somebody from the Commonwealth Health Center to conduct the first aid seminar.”

Espino said he had already talked to other basketball organizers and reminded coaches of all teams to become more conscious about the health of their players. “They should ask their players to have regular check up or to consult a doctor if they feel something is wrong.”

He said checkups are usually free since employers shoulder the costs. “All they need to do is ask a referral letter from their personnel where they are working.”

Espino said what happened to Alegre should serve as a lesson to all players. “Even though you play basketball or any sport, and live an active lifestyle this does not mean that you are healthy. You should also have a regular check up.”

Aqua Resort Club coach Emi Brigino also supported the plan of having a first aid seminar to all players. “I fully support that move. I am in favor and agree with the proposal of players undergoing basic CPR training.”

Brigino said that idea already came up during one of his informal talks with Pacific Development Inc.'s Mario Espeleta, who used to be involved in the Mobil Co-Ed League. “It's about time that we have this kind of activity to prevent incidents like this in the future. Right now organizer only let the players sign a waiver in each league they are going to play at.”

Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands president Elias Rangamar said that he felt saddened that Alegre became the example. “[Let it] be a lesson to all players. It is really sad that [Alegre] was the first person to suffer. We should also view [Alegre's] death positively that even if you play basketball or any sport, it does not mean that you are healthy.”

Several observers also hinted that the hotel league should also adjust their schedule to let players get some rest after work before playing. Alegre just came from an eight-hour shift then went to the Ada gym to play for Aqua Resort.

Brigino said the final viewing of Alegre's remains would be on Feb. 22, Friday, with the venue and time to be announced at a late date. Alegre's relatives are eyeing to hold the final viewing either at Kristo Rai or San Jose church.

Alegre's remains will be brought back to his hometown in San Fernando, La Union, which is located north of Manila. Alegre, who arrived on Saipan in 1993, was born on Oct. 6, 1968 in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur, which is in the northern Philippines, but grew up in La Union.
 
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