PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A senior at Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines who collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest playing basketball was back at school for the first time this week to meet the rescuers who saved his life.
Lorenzo Blacksheer,18, told Local 10 News that he was playing basketball in P.E at his school on Nov. 30 when he suddenly collapsed on the court.
Andrew Vega, a paramedic who teaches EMT/EMR classes at the school, rushed to Blacksheer’s side after he fell to the floor.
“I got there, checked for a pulse, no pulse and just started CPR,” said Vega.
Blacksheer started breathing again and regained a pulse before paramedics showed up.
“As they were taking Lorenzo in the truck, she was asking does he have a pulse,” said Dr. Bernardo Montero, principal of Somerset Academy. “There were times when there was no pulse so that was gut wrenching.”
Blacksheer’s mother, Yonette Stephen, told Local 10 News that it’s been the hardest week of her life as he recovers in the hospital.
“I got to the hospital and he was just lifeless laying there,” she said. It’s been hell. I dropped him off to school in his happy Lorenzo self and then to get the call from school saying there is something wrong. I froze.”
Blacksheer’s father told Local 10 News that he felt like he “won the lottery” after paramedics were able to arrive quickly.
Hospital staff said they attribute the success in part to Project ADAM, a Nickaus Children’s Hospital initiative that teaches students life-saving programs that prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
Staff members say Project ADAM services and trains at over 200 schools in Miami-Dade County and are now looking to expand into Broward County.
Montero says Blacksheer’s story just shows how important the lifesaving training really is.
“As a principal and someone in charge during the day, you feel responsible that we do the best we can for these kids and I’m just on delighted Lorenzo is here today,” he said.
Blacksheer’s family says he is on the road to recovery and is expected to walk the graduation stage in 2024.
“Happy to be here. Happy to be back. I’m grateful,” said Blacksheer.
The family is asking for donations to help pay for Lorenzo’s hospital bills as he recovers. Click here for more information.