BRADENTON, Fla. -- On Tuesday, a guest of the Pirates had a cardiac event while shagging fly balls at Pirate City and needed to be administered CPR before being taken to the hospital via ambulance.
The individual was alert and responsive before being transported.
Dr. Patrick DeMeo, the team's medical director and the chairman of orthopedics at Allegheny Health Network, performed CPR in center field of the Roberto Clemente field. DeMeo has been with the Pirates since the 2002 season.
Practice stopped during the incident while players, coaches and team members watched, and then resumed shortly after the person was taken away.
The individual was a guest of the chamber of commerce and was taking part in a regular event where the team allows invited locals onto the field.
The Pirates released a comment after the event: "On behalf of the Pirates medical staff related to this afternoon’s cardiac event, the overall emphasis of preparedness was key. The collective, quick response by the medical team, led by Dr. Patrick DeMeo amongst other team MDs, certified athletic trainers, coaches, the Bradenton operations staff, clubhouse staff, Bradenton FD, Manatee County EMS was critical to ensure the individual received appropriate care and transfer to the hospital."
