Referee’s Life Saved by Quick-Thinking Athletic Trainer and Doctor Using AED

For 26 years, Andre Johnson has officiated basketball games, sprinting up and down the court with a passion for the sport and its physical demands.

"It’s a great way to stay active," Johnson said. "I always felt like I was in pretty good shape. I never thought something could be wrong with my health."

That belief was shattered just before Thanksgiving during a Marion Pleasant High School game. With two minutes left in the second quarter, Johnson collapsed on the court, suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. The game instantly faded from focus as bystanders rushed in to help.

Among those who responded were Dr. Heather Columber, a family medicine physician, and Joe Thompson, the Athletic Trainer for Marion Pleasant High School.

"He fell backwards, and then I heard everyone gasp," Thompson recalled. "As I ran over, a ton of people jumped in instinctively, ready to help. Everyone knew what to do."

Thompson emphasized the critical nature of the moment.

"It all happened so fast," he said. "When you’re in that situation, every second counts. We immediately started CPR, and the AED was right there when we needed it. That device is a lifesaver—literally."

The group, which included paramedics, a school nurse, and a lifeguard, worked together seamlessly.

"This is why CPR training is so important," Thompson said. "We all had different medical backgrounds, but we knew what to do. Having the AED available and knowing how to use it made the difference between life and death."

February is Heart Month, a time when the American Heart Association emphasizes CPR training and heart health awareness. Thompson sees this as an opportunity to reinforce emergency preparedness.

"The biggest thing is preparation," he said. "Always having a conversation before the year starts—communicating early about where the AED is located and having updated emergency action plans."

He also highlighted Marion Pleasant’s commitment to safety.

"AEDs are accessible on campus—we just acquired an additional AED outside the facility, accessible to the public as well. We are prioritizing the safety of athletes and people who use our facilities—like the track."

On February 1, Dr. Columber, Thompson, and the entire rescue team were honored at a Marion Pleasant basketball game, receiving the Heart Saver Hero Award and the Heart of a Spartan Award.

"It was phenomenal—I can’t thank them enough," Johnson said. "Everyone reacted the way they were supposed to. By God’s grace and mercy, I’m still here. The AED is the most important tool we have—it saved my life."

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