LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Steven DeSousa and Dr. Sarita
Duchatelier in recognition of their prompt and heroic actions in saving
the life of a young soccer player who collapsed on the field

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of those exemplary citizens who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations and in doing so,
help others to avert life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Steven DeSousa and Dr. Sarita Duchatelier in recognition of their prompt
and heroic actions in saving the life of a young soccer player who
collapsed on the field; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, November 7, 2009, at Adelphi University, Saint
Anthony's High School played Chaminade High School for the Nassau-Suf-
folk Catholic High School Soccer Athletic Association League Champion-
ship; and
WHEREAS, While the match was decided with 39.4 seconds left, the Saint
Anthony's victory became a distant memory as a junior soccer player had
suddenly collapsed on the field; and
WHEREAS, Saint Anthony's Coach, Don Corrao immediately summoned for
Steven DeSousa '88, D.P.T. and O.C.S., the Saint Anthony's Athletic
Trainer; as the player laid motionless, Dr. DeSousa quickly determined
the young man was not breathing; and
WHEREAS, Dr. DeSousa immediately started CPR by issuing three rescue
breaths; after approximately 15 seconds, the student began to breathe
only to stop a few seconds later; at this time, Dr. DeSousa was joined
by Dr. Sarita Duchatelier, a Saint Anthony's parent; CPR was adminis-
tered again and this time the junior soccer player began breathing on
his own; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, a few minutes later, he suffered a second
seizure and the situation again took a turn for the worse; determined,
Dr. DeSousa, Dr. Duchatelier, and Coach Corrao seemingly talked him
through the harrowing ordeal while waiting for the EMS personnel to
respond; and
WHEREAS, He was taken to Winthrop Hospital where he was stabilized
nearly two hours later; as a result of their immediate actions and
professional care, Dr. DeSousa and Dr. Duchatelier saved the life of
this young man; and
WHEREAS, Shining examples of the best humanity has to offer, Dr.
DeSousa and Dr. Duchatelier through their actions, demonstrated their
character and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by
virtue of their actions, the collective concern of citizens across the
community of the State of New York, who voluntarily respond when others
are in need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Steven DeSousa and Dr. Sarita Duchatelier in recognition of
their prompt and heroic actions in saving the life of a young soccer
player who collapsed on the field; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Steven DeSousa and Dr. Sarita Duchatelier.