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During a routine team meeting, Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman BJ Thompson suddenly went into cardiac arrest following a seizure, casting immediate concern among his teammates and staff.
The incident, which occurred on June 6, 2024, at the Chiefs facility, required urgent medical intervention.
Rick Burkholder, the team's Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, detailed the swift actions taken by the team's medical staff.
"Staff administered CPR and successfully restarted Thompson's heart with a defibrillator shock, keeping the cardiac arrest under a minute and a half."
This prompt response was crucial in stabilizing Thompson, who is now described as "awake and alert" and moving in a positive direction health-wise.
The cause of Thompson's seizure and subsequent cardiac arrest remains undiagnosed, adding a layer of uncertainty about his immediate and long-term health future. His teammate, George Karlaftis, reflected the team's relief and ongoing concern, stated:
"I’m just glad to see that he’s doing good... I’m hoping and praying for a speedy recovery for BJ."
This incident echoes a similar situation from last year, where Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin required resuscitation on the field during a game, highlighting the critical importance of medical preparedness in sports. Both cases underscore the potential for severe medical emergencies during athletic activities and the essential role of timely medical response.
Thompson, only in his second year as a professional, was released from the hospital on June 10 and has made appearances at team events, signaling a hopeful recovery.
As the Chiefs continue their offseason practices, the focus remains not just on preparation for the upcoming season but also on the health and safety of their players.
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