Swift Save at a Basketball Tournament

It was just another game at a club-level basketball tournament—fast-paced, full of energy, and nothing out of the ordinary…until it wasn’t.

Carter, a healthy young athlete, suddenly collapsed on the court. For a moment, time froze. Many would assume something like this doesn’t happen to kids, but SCA (sudden cardiac arrest) can strike anyone, at any age.

Fortunately, Carter wasn’t alone. A parent in the stands—another player’s mom—sprang into action. She immediately started CPR, while another person grabbed the on-site AED. Thanks to their calm and quick response, Carter received the lifesaving care he needed within minutes.

I want to encourage widespread CPR training and for all sport facilities to have AEDs. These things combined saved my life and changed it.

Carter Zahn, SCA Survivor

Today, Carter is a reminder that SCA doesn’t discriminate by age. His story underscores two critical lessons: always be prepared, and don’t assume “it won’t happen here.” CPR training and accessible AEDs aren’t just for adults—they save kids’ lives too.

Carter’s survival is a powerful example of what can happen when community members know how to act. One minute, he was a kid playing basketball. The next, he was a young life saved by the swift action of a bystander who didn’t hesitate.