In the opening minutes of football practice at Dale County High School in Alabama, something completely unexpected happened. Sophomore Adaveion Jackson had collapsed after three procedure drills. Thankfully, the coaching staff was quick to act and likely saved the 15-year-old's life.
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Practice at the high school in Midland City, Alabama near Dothan started at 7:05 a.m. with some conditioning drills. A short time later, less than 10 minutes, according to Warriors head coach Don Moore, a 911 call had been placed.
That's when two coaches used an AED — Automated External Defibrillator — to help revive Jackson before the county sheriff and volunteer emergency took control, according to the Dothan Eagle.
Jackson, who plays wide receiver and defensive back for the Warriors, was originally transported to Flowers Hospital in Dothan before being airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he was in stable condition and undergoing tests on Tuesday.
Dale County High School Superintendent of Schools Ben Baker said Adaveion Jackson went into cardiac arrest, but praised everyone for Moore and his football staff following the school's emergency action plan.
It was just the second day of fall practice for AHSAA schools, but everyone was already in midseason form to save the football player's life.
"It was cardiac arrest. The coaches immediately implemented their emergency action plan, each knowing their responsibilities. The coach responsible for dialing 911 did that. The coach responsible for administering CPR immediately started CPR. The coach responsible for getting the Automated External Defibrillator ran and got the AED. The coach responsible for going out to the road to meet the ambulance did that.
"The coaches continued administering CPR until the AED arrived. They then shocked the child, then shocked him again. On the second shock from the AED, the child began to gasp for breath and got back in rhythm."
— Dale County Superintendent Ben Baker, via AHSAA
When the unthinkable happened, nobody panicked. Warriors coach Don Moore and his staff knew what to do that.
It was not a very hot morning and Jackson's physical had no warning signs, according to Baker. Nobody expected this to happen, obviously, but the quick response saved the young man's life.
"We got a good report — he is up and talking and eating," Baker told AL.com. "He could come home today or Thursday. We're so excited. It looks like he's on the road to recovery."
There's no doubt everyone wishes Dale County sophomore Adaveion Jackson a quick recovery and hope he catches a few touchdowns this season.
