CPR Hero Saves Young Athlete’s Life After 40 Years

Quick Smiles:

• A woman uses CPR skills learned four decades ago to save a young athlete.
• Evan Tucker’s life was saved by a timely intervention during a baseball tryout.
• Community support pours in to aid Evan’s recovery journey.

When Johnette Wilmot learned CPR as a teenager, she likely never imagined she’d need to use it 40 years later.

Yet, during a recent baseball practice, she found herself relying on that very training.

Evan Tucker, a 15-year-old athlete from Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, had just wrapped up his freshman season and was trying out for a travel team when he suddenly collapsed.

His mother, Samantha, initially thought he might have been hit by a ball.

Another onlooker suspected a seizure.

The reality was far more severe—Evan was experiencing cardiac arrest.

Johnette Wilmot, attending the tryouts for her own son, quickly rushed to Evan’s side.

“I learned CPR in high school and I’ve never had to use it in 40 years,” she shared.

She added, “I just kept humming Stayin’ Alive,” referencing the Bee Gees song, which has an ideal rhythm for chest compressions.

For eight intense minutes, Wilmot performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.

Evan was transported to Children’s Hospital, where doctors worked to restart his heart’s rhythm.

After a few days, Evan’s condition stabilized.

As he continues with physical therapy, there is hope for a complete recovery.

To assist with the mounting hospital expenses, a family friend initiated a GoFundMe campaign.

Evan’s mother attributes his survival to divine intervention and Wilmot’s quick actions.

“Miracles happen,” said Samantha.

“If it hadn’t been for Johnette… my son would not be here today.”

The story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR knowledge and the impact it can have, even decades later.

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