Firefighter goes into cardiac arrest during basketball practice; IFD encouraging citizens to brush up on AED, CPR trainings

According to a press release, the firefighter was preparing for this year’s Hoops and Heroes Charity Basketball Game between IFD and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The game will be played on April 26 and its proceeds will benefit domestic violence prevention efforts.

During Saturday’s practice at the IFD Training Academy — which is located in the 9000 block of East 33rd Street — one firefighter indicated that he was feeling a bit nauseous. Soon after he reported that he wasn’t feeling well, the firefighter fell face-down and became unconscious.

The firefighter’s teammates called 911 around 10 a.m. and began to assess his condition. IFD crew members determined their fellow firefighter had a weak pulse and was breathing intermittently.

Upon assessing the downed firefighter’s condition, IFD personnel found a nearby Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Once its pads were attached to the firefighter in cardiac arrest, the device recommended a shock.

After the shock was administered, firefighters began to perform CPR. The IFD crew members assisting their fellow firefighter indicated they performed CPR for about five minutes and let medics take over when they arrived at the scene.

The downed firefighter was ultimately transported to IU Methodist Hospital. IFD confirmed he was awake and talking while he was taken to the hospital. Officials reported that the firefighter is now in good condition.

“With permission of the patient, the IFD is choosing to share this story as a stark reminder of the importance of knowing CPR and how to use an AED,” IFD officials wrote in a release. “This firefighter is alive because of the early intervention of life-saving methods which include activating 911, implementing the use of an AED and establishing CPR.”

IFD indicated that its peer support team has been activated to assist firefighters who witnessed the incident and those who responded to the scene to provide additional help.

“We are extremely thankful that the incident occurred when it could be witnessed and acted on quickly,” IFD leadership wrote in its release. “To our fellow dispatchers and IEMS providers, thank you for your valuable assistance.”

In light of Saturday morning’s incident, IFD is encouraging members of the community to seek CPR training and ensure they have working AEDs in their local gathering places like work and school.

“Given that February is American Heart Month, messages about CPR education and AED use are in full swing,” IFD leaders wrote in a statement. “However, as many who have found themselves in this situation know, nothing hits home harder than one of your own experiencing a medical crisis and knowing that the actions that follow may determine the outcome.”

CPR and AED training resources are available via the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.