ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- When NFL player Damar Hamlin collapsed during the Bengals-Bills game from a heart ailment on Monday night, it could have ended in tragedy, but emergency medical crews were there within seconds, working to save his life.

Now parents might be wondering about when their son or daughter takes the field. An area athletic director explains how teams are equipped for a medical emergency.

"Before we start tonight's game, something happened at Cincinnati last night that has gotten a lot of media attention," said Monticello High School’s Athletic Director Matthew Pearman.

During the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills Monday night football game, Hamlin made a routine tackle, but when he stood up, he immediately collapsed.

Medical personnel raced out on the field and performed CPR. Hamlin remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Health.

Pearman addressed the situation before tipoff and reassured the crowd of the constant presence of at least one athletic trainer at every game.

"To provide immediate and urgent care," he said.

At Tuesday night's game, there were two, including MHS head athletic trainer Shannon Snell.

"Everybody thinks, 'oh they are here just to tape ankles, they're just to look at bruises.' Yes, we are, that is a big portion of our job, but the other portion is that emergency care. When an athlete collapses on the field, we are there to resuscitate them," said Snell.

If a situation arises, the necessary equipment is always within reach and they work to keep their training up to date.

"Two AED systems are within 150 feet of this gymnasium right here and easily accessible in a time of need," said Pearman.

Without these tools and people, sports wouldn't be the same.

"As we look at Mr. Hamlin, whose life at this point may be attributed to the immediate response from athletic trainers and physicians who were at last night's game," said Pearman.

According to CNN, Hamlin needed to be resuscitated twice.