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Teen performs CPR, saves teammate in cardiac arrest

The player’s heart rhythm was disrupted after a baseball hit his arm pit

By Associated Press

MANASSAS, Va. — A northern Virginia teen hit by a ball during baseball practice went into cardiac arrest, but he says a teammate’s quick action helped save him.

Media outlets report that Steve Smith was running from second base to third on July 14, when he was hit under the left arm pit. His heart rhythm was disrupted and he went into cardiac arrest. His father and coach, Tim, says he saw his son was unconscious and called out, “Does anyone know CPR?”

Teammate Paul Dow jumped in and says he continued compressions until paramedics arrived.

Smith regained consciousness and was flown to a hospital, where he was in a medically induced coma, but was soon feeling fine. Smith says it was hard to find the right words to thank his friend.