Teen Welcomed Home Days After Full Cardiac Arrest At School

April 15, 2018

It’s a miracle that 16-year old Deverick Williams is alive today — and a miracle that he is back home with his family.

The sophomore collapsed in cardiac arrest on to the gym floor after playing basketball last Monday at Flomaton High School.

But thanks to the response of those around him and in the community, Deverick was welcomed home Saturday evening. The Flomaton Fire Department escorted Deverick and his family from Century to their home in Flomaton where he was joined by community members, school staff and the fire department.

“If it weren’t for the school staff being trained in CPR and such a quick response from fire and EMS the chances of him surviving cardiac arrest were slim to none,” Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton said.

Full Cardiac Arrest

After Deverick fell to the floor in full cardiac arrest April 9, a  coached dialed 911. School nurse Nikoleda Johnson, who just happened to be in the gym, started CPR.

Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton, Captain Jeremy Lee, and Flomaton Police officer Leonard Connelly arrived at Flomaton High School within about two minutes. An AED – automated external defibrillator — was used, and CPR continued.  Flomaton volunteer firemen Ryan Reaves and Tyler Lambeth arrived along with Barnett Crossroads Fire Chief Ben Roe to provide relief to those that had performing CPR for several minutes. Firefighters said over 200 chest compressions and dozens of breaths were given before Williams regained a pulse.

He was still struggling to breathe as he was loaded into an Escambia County (FL) EMS unit and transported less than 100 yards away to the football field and a medical helicopter. He was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola and later transferred by air to Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

Pictured top: Flomaton Fire Chief Steve Stanton with Deverick Williams and his mother Saturday night. Pictured inset: Deverick posses with members of the Flomaton Fire Department. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

13 Responses to “Teen Welcomed Home Days After Full Cardiac Arrest At School”

  1. Concerned on April 17th, 2018 8:55 am

    Thank God for all that helped this young man. Praise God for his recovery. May he show his thankfulness in helping others.

  2. bp on April 15th, 2018 9:28 pm

    So thankful to read of a wonderful outcome for this young man. What a beautiful blessing from God.

  3. Ked on April 15th, 2018 10:51 am

    Isn’t it awesome to know that even though we aren’t allowed to keep God in school, God always shows up to take care of our children anyway.
    So glad you are well. So thankful so many were there to take care of you and no doubt pray for you. What a testimony and encouragement you will be to so many. Take care.

  4. Nene on April 15th, 2018 10:50 am

    Thank you God for your saving Grace!!

  5. TUMom on April 15th, 2018 10:39 am

    GOD IS GOOD!!! May HE BLESS this young man and his family. HE IS TRULY A LIVING MIRACLE!!!

  6. anne 1of2 on April 15th, 2018 9:59 am

    The description of this teen and all he has going for him was a heartbreak to read about when his story was first reported. Life seemed to be so unfair. This was a wake up call to all of us who prayed he would live to continue on with his plans. What t blessed family! We never know what the day will bring. Thank you for the story NorthEscambia.com.

  7. Charlotte on April 15th, 2018 9:26 am

    Thank God for his recovery and thank God there were people around that knew what to do. Such a handsome young man. Hope all goes well with you and your family and you have a bright future.

  8. Michael on April 15th, 2018 8:28 am

    There is nothing like people being trained in CPR and strategic placement of AEDs. If you don’t know CPR, learn! You’re never too young or old. If you don’t have an AED, get one.

  9. Jan on April 15th, 2018 8:17 am

    Great news all the way around

  10. Anne on April 15th, 2018 8:08 am

    God’s Gift to Deverick by having so many “Angels” surrounding him so quickly to return the breath of life and the beat to his heart.

    Deverick, God has given you this Marvelous Second Chance so that in your new life you may accomplish many things to help and show care and love for others.

    Thanks to ALL and there are Many who were there to care for you.
    Be Well young man.

  11. ELW on April 15th, 2018 7:50 am

    God was with this young man. Bless him and his family. Thank you God for this miracle.

  12. Sandra McMurray-Jackson on April 15th, 2018 7:26 am

    What a BLESSING. GOD is a good GOD and so worthy to be Praised. Hallelujah ♥️

  13. bigbill1961 on April 15th, 2018 2:22 am

    Amen. I am so happy this young man survived. Praying for continuing recovery.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News