UPDATE: A heart-stopping moment on the basketball court has propelled 17-year-old Sam Booth to advocate for CPR training in schools across Wales. Just over a year ago, Sam suffered a cardiac arrest while playing a game in Liverpool, shocking his mother, Sarah Booth, who was in the stands.
This incident, which could have ended tragically, underscores the urgent need for life-saving skills among youth. Sam, who had previously represented Wales in basketball, collapsed after being substituted out of the game. His teammates and coaches sprang into action, using a defibrillator and performing CPR before emergency services arrived.
Sam’s mother was celebrating her birthday that day, turning what should have been a joyful occasion into a nightmare. Remarkably, he survived thanks to the quick response of those around him and is now passionately promoting CPR education.
After spending a month in the hospital and facing the fear of a heart transplant, Sam has returned to school in Llanberis and is back on the basketball court. “I want to seize every opportunity,” he stated, reflecting on how his brush with death has transformed his outlook on life.
A congenital heart defect known as an anomalous coronary artery was identified as the cause of his cardiac arrest. Surgeons performed open-heart surgery, successfully restoring normal blood flow. Despite the trauma, Sam has embraced life, playing for both Caernarfon U18s and Cheshire Phoenix U18s again.
In a recent statement, Sam emphasized the significance of CPR training, saying, “People don’t realize how rare it is to come through like I did. CPR training is crucial because cardiac arrest can happen to anyone.”
The British Heart Foundation Cymru has launched the Classroom RevivR initiative aimed at providing free digital CPR training to students aged 11 to 16 in Welsh schools. This program teaches essential skills, including the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack, how to respond to emergencies, and the proper use of a defibrillator. Over 120 schools have already registered for this vital training, but the foundation aims for even more participation.
With survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Wales at just 1 in 20, Sam’s campaign is both timely and necessary. He urges everyone to understand the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
“My experience has changed my outlook 100%,” Sam shared, recalling the simple joy of sitting outside after his hospital stay. “Life is so valuable. I want to travel the world and spend as much time with my family as possible.”
As he continues to recover and advocate for life-saving training, Sam Booth stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. He hopes his story will inspire others, stating, “If my story helps save even one life, it’s worth it.”
As the call for CPR training grows louder, Sam’s experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared in the face of unforeseen medical emergencies.
