A Blair County PA student is now recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest during a football practice last month.
Jared Parker explains how those around him reacted quickly and what his family hopes this event can teach the community.
On September 18th, Hollidaysburg football player Spencer Davis went into cardiac arrest after being on the receiving end of a hit towards his chest.
And his family says they’re grateful for those involved in saving his life.
“Every minute that an AED or CPR is not being done takes ten percent off the availability to live. Nine out of ten victims in this don’t survive,” his father said.
UPMC Bedford and UPMC Altoona heart specialist Kristi Montrella spoke about the rarity of cases like Spencer’s.
“Assuming that this cardiac arrest that Spencer suffered was related to the hit in itself. It’s a very rare phenomenon. It’s called commotio cordis. It is incredibly rare although Damar Hamlin suffering this event on national TV certainly brought a lot of light to this situation,” Montrella explained.
Montrella says the quick action of those at the scene allowed Spencer to make a full neurological recovery.
6-WJAC
by Jared Parker
October 25th 2024
