Williamsburg, KY – University of the Cumberlands athletic trainer Rashaun Bailey was honored with the Mid-South Conference Above & Beyond Award as well as being named the KATS Colligate Athletic Trainer of the Year, announced last week. The MSC Above & Beyond Award is presented to an athletic trainer for exceptional care and performance in their field.

A week after returning to UC as a full time athletic trainer and while covering his first official event, an away men's basketball game, one of the players collapsed courtside prior to the start of the game.  Bailey immediately tended to the player, who was suffering a seizure episode.  The athlete initially came through the episode and seemed fined, however a minute later he lapsed into unconsciousness but was breathing.

Within five minutes of collapsing the players respirations slowed at which point Bailey began CPR as the host team Athletic Trainers were preparing the AED.  Eventually the combination of CPR and two shocks from the AED restored the player's heartbeat along with his breathing.  Bailey than accompanied the athlete via ambulance to the hospital and stayed by his side for the next day and a half until his family arrived to be with him.

Bailey and the athlete have forged a bonding through this adversity and have continued to work closely throughout the recovery process.

Bailey stepped down from his position at UC in May and is currently serving as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Bears.

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