Hailey
During a junior high girls’ basketball round robin held on a Wednesday evening, a Galatia Junior High player suffered a sudden medical emergency.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:50 p.m., interrupting the game and prompting immediate medical response.
An assistant coach—also a registered nurse—acted quickly, deploying an AED (automated external defibrillator) on the athlete and stabilizing her condition.
Once stabilized, she was airlifted to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for advanced medical care. The school district later confirmed the airlift but has not yet shared full details on her condition.
In local circles, the student has been identified as Emi Belford, and the community rallied by designating the following day as “Wear Red for Emi” in her support.
Why This Matters
This incident highlights how critical preparedness in school athletics has become. Sudden health emergencies can strike at any time.
Having an AED on site, staff trained in CPR and emergency response, and clear protocols for transporting a student to advanced care can mean the difference between life and death.
For school and district leaders, this event underscores the importance of reviewing whether every athletic venue has an AED, whether coaches and staff have up-to-date training, and whether emergency plans have been practiced—not just drawn on paper.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Middle school girls’ basketball round robin |
| Time of Incident | ~ 6:50 p.m. |
| Affected Student | Galatia Junior High athlete, locally named Emi Belford |
| On-Site Intervention | AED deployed by an assistant coach/registered nurse |
| Stabilization | Yes, immediate steps were taken to stabilize before transport |
| Transport Method | Airlifted to a medical facility |
| Receiving Facility | St. Louis Children’s Hospital |
| Community Response | “Wear Red for Emi” campaign, widespread support across schools and towns |
| Current Status | District and community awaiting formal updates on condition |
Community Mobilization
Since the emergency, the Galatia area and surrounding communities have mobilized quickly. Parents, athletes, and residents have been encouraged to wear red to show solidarity.
Local sports pages and school communications have spread updates, schedule changes, and messages of support.
The student’s identity, while shared by locals, has not been officially confirmed by the school district at this time.
Lessons for Schools & Athletic Departments
- Ensure AED Accessibility
All gymnasiums, courts, and fields used for school sports should have working AEDs within reach. - Train Staff Regularly
Coaches, referees, and volunteers should be certified in CPR and AED use, with refresher courses scheduled. - Maintain Clear Emergency Protocols
Each site should have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that defines roles, access to medical equipment, and transport options including air evacuation. - Communicate with Families Quickly
In the aftermath of an incident, clear, timely updates help manage concern and speculation. - Practice Simulations
Drills involving AED use, calling EMS, moving the athlete, and coordinating with hospitals reinforce readiness.
The sudden medical emergency facing a Galatia Junior High basketball player, and the swift response that followed, serve as a powerful reminder: emergency preparedness saves lives.
The deployment of an AED on site, rapid stabilization, and air transport to St. Louis Children’s Hospital point to a well-executed response—though much remains unknown about the athlete’s condition.
As the Galatia community rallies behind “Wear Red for Emi,” this incident should prompt every school district to review whether their AEDs are operational, staff training is up to date, and protocols for emergencies and transport are robust and practiced.