Salem, Oregon – A 12-year, 6th grade student from Adam Stephens School in Salem collapsed during a basketball practice earlier this evening.
At 6:57 pm, Deputy Andrew Derschon from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, along with Medics from the Marion County Fire District responded to a 911 call at Scott Elementary School, 4700 Arizona Avenue NE, Salem, where the team was practicing for a game tomorrow.
Derschon learned that Isaac Arzate was practicing with his team members. The team is associated with Skyball, a part of Salem-Keizer Youth Basketball, Inc. Skyball is an all-volunteer non-profit organization responsible for organizing middle school teams and leagues. Coaches are not school district employees.
During the practice, Isaac became winded and asked to sit out a drill. His coaches excused him from the drill, but after resting for five minutes, he wanted to return to the practice. Isaac said he was still not feeling 100% so the coach told him he was excused from the rest of the practice. Isaac sat on the sidelines watching his team practice, but then suddenly collapsed.
Three coaches immediately took action. Coach Joe Rodriguez called 911. Coach Lee Sampson, who has been trained in first aid and CPR, attended to Isaac. Coach Enrique Cendejas, who is also Isaac’s stepfather, ushered the rest of the team outside to wait for emergency personnel.
Deputy Derschon credited the fast action of Coach Sampson who rendered first aid and gave Isaac CPR until the arrival of medics from the Marion County Fire District. Derschon commented, “Isaac was having difficulty breathing and his pulse was weak. Coach Sampson did what coaches are trained to do. He likely saved his life”.
Isaac was transported to the Salem Hospital for treatment. Once stabilized, he will be transferred to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland. Consistent with HIPAA regulations, no further information about his condition will be released.
News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff’s Office