[Men's Basketball] JaMario Harris, Gives Friend The Ultimate Assist - Save's Life!

SAN DIEGO, Calif - It was a beautiful summer day, perfect for shooting some outdoor hoops. San Diego Christian College men's basketball's most tenacious defender, JaMario Harris, and two of his close friends, Kevin and Vale, decided to take advantage of the day by playing a little one-on-one. All three in their early 20's, full of energy and vigor, they began playing a series of first-to-seven games. After about 30 minutes of spirited play, the air of youthful invincibility disappeared and harsh reality came crashing down when Kevin suddenly lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest. "In the process of Kevin checking the ball up, he began to stagger backward", JaMario explained. "After a few steps, he fell on his back, going unconscious in mid-fall. Never having seen anything like this before in person, Vale and I were astonished. We shouted his name hoping to get a response, but nothing. His breathing was irregular and he wasn't waking up, so we called 911."

A short time into the 911 call, after explaining Kevin's condition, the operator informed the two that they should begin performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on their friend. "I was a bit nervous, even though I had just learned the procedure during Dr. Dub's (Dr. Jenna Wlasiuk's) previous spring kinesiology class," JaMario said. "I wanted my friend to regain consciousness, so I pushed through my fear and began giving CPR to Kevin.  I continued for another 8 minutes or so until the first responders came onto the scene."  After they arrived, the EMT's took over for JaMario and used a defibrillator to try to re-start Kevin's heart. "After the first shock, he regained a pulse but was still unconscious", JaMario continued, "so they decided it was time to transport him to the hospital."

"After being at the emergency room for about 30 minutes, Kevin's dad came out and hugged Vale and me", said JaMario. "He asked us who performed CPR on his son, and I answered 'I did, sir.' Kevin's dad then told us the doctor said performing CPR immediately is what saved his life! This was a lot to take in, but I told his family, Kevin would have done the same for me, no questions asked!"

Kevin was eventually hooked up to a breathing machine after being stabilized and was in a coma for four days. He has since regained consciousness and is currently on the road to recovery all because of the quick, calm work of JaMario and Vale.

"I am thankful that God allowed me to be present to help Kevin. I am also glad Dr. Dub taught us the importance of CPR and helped prepare me for that moment," JaMario said.  "Dr.Dub conveyed to us how vital it was to learn this skill as you never know when you will need it, or who you might be able to help. She was right! All I can say is God is good, and I'm very thankful!"

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"If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." - Ecclesiastes 4:10