PENFIELD N.Y. — A player in a lacrosse pickup game had a near-death experience; he now has a new outlook on life.

Members of the Rochester Lacrosse Club gathered for the game on their usual Sunday, but nearly two weeks ago tragedy struck.

Nearing the end of the game, 52-year-old Andy Hayes collapsed onto his back only to almost lose his life.

Members say the situation could have been a lot worse if not for the convenience of an AED kit.

“Dr. Tim O’Connor who plays lacrosse with us, he’s an ER doctor, he administered me right away. He checked my pulse, I did have a pulse. About a minute or so later my pulse was gone,” said Hayes.

“In my opinion and a lot of us say they should be bolted to every wall and visible everywhere like a drinking fountain or a bathroom," said O’Connor. “There’s all different kinds of cardiac arrest, but the kind that happens to you when you’re out running around is usually what they call shock-able rhythm and that’s what those AEDs are designed to find and the sooner you get out of it the better.”

While the club is prepared following future games, they are working to bring awareness, as well.