It was a crisp autumn day at Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, where the Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) SeaWolves soccer teams faced off against the Word of Life Huskies. The match brought students, families, and fans together. But the day took an unexpected turn during halftime of the men’s game when a life-threatening medical emergency unfolded on the sideline.
John Armstrong
John Armstrong, 79, a grandfather and dedicated supporter of his grandchildren, collapsed. “We live about 10 minutes from the campus,” his son Jed Armstrong explained. “Dad—or ‘Dapa,’ as the kids call him—loves attending the kids’ soccer games. He’s their biggest cheerleader.” John had just watched his granddaughter, Hannah, play a standout game earlier that day.
The scene quickly became tense as Jed realized something was gravely wrong. “My youngest daughter came running over saying, ‘Daddy, something’s wrong with Dapa,'” Jed recounted. “When I got to him, he was unresponsive. It was terrifying.”
Two SMCC women’s soccer team members, Assistant Soccer Coach Nicole Guimond and player/nursing student Amelia Lunt, immediately volunteered to help at a critical moment.
Guimond, a registered nurse with nearly a decade of experience and a newly appointed instructor at SMCC, helped with chest compressions while Lunt handled rescue breaths. Their teamwork was seamless. “It was incredible to see Amelia in action,” Guimond said. “She jumped right in, calm and professional, and did an amazing job.”
As a certified nursing assistant, Lunt immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. “I’ve dealt with emergent situations at work, but this was different,” she said.” We did not have the usual medical supplies, and no doctor was overseeing us. It seemed like it was just the two of us and a crowd of worried onlookers.”
The intense CPR effort lasted approximately 25 minutes until emergency responders arrived. An automated external defibrillator was used to deliver three shocks.
Throughout the ordeal, the onlookers, including John’s family and Word of Life community members, prayed fervently. “We certainly believe in a God who orchestrates all things together for good,” Jed said.
Miraculously, John’s pulse returned while he was being taken to Albany Medical Center, where he underwent triple bypass surgery. While recovery was slow, Jed shared, “Dad turned a corner around Christmas. He’s getting around the house back home, and we’re all so grateful.”
Reflecting on the experience, Lunt spoke about how it validated her career choice. “Many nursing students feel unprepared for the real world,” she said. “But when this happened, I knew exactly what to do. It confirmed for me that I’m on the right path.”
Word of Life Bible Institute, known for its strong faith-based education and community values, provided the backdrop for this extraordinary event. Coach Guimond summarized the experience by saying, “I never wanted this to happen, but it was incredible to see our training come together to help save a life.”
John’s family and the entire community remain deeply grateful for the quick actions and expertise of Nicole, Amelia, and everyone who responded to the emergency. As Jed concluded, “Everyone wanted to help, but Nicole and Amelia had both the willingness and the know-how to help save my father’s life. They were amazing.”