What began as a routine basketball practice at Fresno City College quickly became a life-threatening emergency when incoming freshman Jackson Scarborough began experiencing chest pain before practice had even started.
"He's been playing since he was in first grade. He's been playing competitively since fourth grade," she said.
After the team finished watching film, Jackson told coach Rob Haynes he wasn't feeling well. Athletic Trainer Francisco Gamboa was called over to evaluate him.
"They had just gotten out of the film, so they hadn't done any physical exertion at all," Gamboa said.
After checking Jackson's vital signs, Gamboa realized something wasn't right.
"I saw the readings, and they weren't matching up with what was being shown," he said.
EMS was immediately called, and Jackson was transported to Community Regional Medical Center. Doctors initially suspected an aneurysm but instead discovered an aortic dissection—a rare, life-threatening tear in the aorta. He underwent nine hours of emergency surgery.
"What we've heard is that only 30% of people to whom this happens actually make it to the hospital," Joanna Scarborough said.
She credits Fresno City College's athletic staff with recognizing the seriousness of the situation and acting without hesitation.
"They're the heroes here. They recognized it and they made the call to get him here in time," she said.
For Gamboa, the experience reinforced why emergency preparedness matters.
"It's what you train for, hoping you never have to use it," he said. "But the fact that I actually got to implement it and save someone's life is very gratifying."
Jackson is now recovering in a rehabilitation hospital as his family focuses on his continued healing. Check out the full story here!