Sam was recently released from hospital following surgery and a period of recovery after the swift actions of a range of individuals at the game, including coaches and parents, saved his life.
His return, to watch the Phoenix’s Super League Basketball game against Sheffield Sharks on Sunday, was an emotional day for his family, team-mates and club – a mixture of joy and relief, with Nix juniors head coach James Brice saying: "He's been through a lot, so to finally get him at a game and see him smiling was quite amazing.”
The teenager, who has represented Wales at junior level, had been playing in an NBL U18s fixture against Mersey Mavericks in Sefton, Merseyside in September when the incident happened.
The quick thinking of staff from both teams, spectating parents – some of whom gave Sam CPR – and the rapid arrival of the air ambulance, along with the availability of an on-site defibrillator, all played their part in making sure the outcome was a positive one.
“The whole episode lasted only a few minutes, but it seemed like hours. The ambulance crew later said, in those first few minutes, his life was saved by the quick-thinking teamwork of those present.
“We will be forever grateful that people around us knew CPR, that there was a defibrillator on hand and the ambulance arrived so promptly. Sam went on to have open heart surgery where an unusual coronary artery was found to have caused the event. This was there since he was born but nobody knew about it and it was pure luck that, when this ticking timebomb went off with absolutely no warning signs, he was surrounded by people who knew exactly what to do.”
The incident highlights the importance of first aid training, the availability of a defibrillator and, where possible, cardiac screening.
“It is brilliant that Sam has been able to make a good recovery. The actions of a whole range of people, and the fact that they were trained, calm and knowledgeable, means there was a positive outcome to this and we’re all grateful for that.
“It’s also vital that defibs are available – and crucially, that people know where they are and how to use them. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of that.
“We, as Basketball England, are contacting our clubs to offer guidance, resources and information about training and obtaining the right equipment.
“Screening also plays a big part in this field. I’m delighted that we have been able to offer an ECG screening service to participants in our talent pathway and England national teams and we are very open to working with other organisations to help make sure as many players as possible are screened.”
“Nothing can ever fully prepare you for a moment like that. But everyone who responded and had the skills, experience and foresight to do what they did as a team effort, was brilliant. I can't thank them enough. I want to pay tribute to parents, staff, the opposition coaches - the Mersey Mavericks were brilliant - everyone there.
"Every sports venue and event - game, training, whatever it is - needs a defib. You never know; you never expect it to happen to one of your players but having a defib available is quite literally lifesaving.
"You hope that you will never have to use it, but every club and venue needs one. I would say that if you don't have one or don't have access to one where you train or play, you should look into getting one or accessing funding to get one - I couldn't state that more strongly.
"On top of that, it has to be visible and accessible. A big learning for an away team visiting a new venue is to always ask if one is available and where it is."
“It’s been a traumatic time for Sam and his family, as well as his friends, club and team-mates, so I’m extremely glad this story has a happy ending. On behalf of Basketball Wales, I’d like to thank everyone who played a part in his recovery and echo the sentiments about CPR training and defibrillator access.
“Prior to Sam’s health issues, we had recognised the importance of cardiac screening and had begun to plan for its introduction at national team level. What happened to Sam has only reinforced the belief that we need to get this up and running as quickly as possible and we will be working with Basketball England to make sure this happens. Finally, we look forward to seeing Sam soon and I hope he continues to recover well.”
Basketball England has a range of resources, advice and training available, including how to obtain a defib or find your nearest one, click below to find out more.
Pictures: Adam Day
.
.
