Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker became a pivotal figure in a dramatic incident during a team meeting when BJ Thompson experienced a seizure. Butker’s quick response and involvement in alerting medical personnel played a critical role in managing the situation.
When Thompson suffered the seizure, Butker immediately sprang into action, rushing to the training room to seek assistance from assistant athletic trainers Julie Frymyer and David Glover, along with vice president of sports performance and medicine Rick Burkholder. Other medical professionals also joined in to provide support.
#Chiefs head trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters that Harrison Butker ran to the training room to get trainers after BJ Thompson suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest on Thursday.
Thompson was brought out of sedation this morning. He is alert, awake, and recovering… pic.twitter.com/cZ2wSbONHi
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 7, 2024
Burkholder recounted the events, stating that the team worked together to stabilize Thompson and lay him on the floor during the seizure. Unfortunately, Thompson then went into cardiac arrest, but the swift response of the medical team, including providing CPR and administering one AD shock, helped revive him within a minute and a half.
The Chiefs had to cancel their remaining team activities for the day following the incident but resumed their OTAs the next day. Thompson showed signs of improvement, being awake and responsive just over 12 hours after the ordeal.
Based Catholic Harrison Butker saved the life of his teammate.
Harrison Butker ran to alert the medical team in the training room when his teammate BJ Thompson suffered a seizure during a team meeting on Thursday.
Info: New York Post pic.twitter.com/BCtZPHe8jJ
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) June 8, 2024
It was revealed that Thompson had been on a ventilator overnight, but the Chiefs’ emergency action plan, which they had practiced just days prior to the incident, proved instrumental in managing the crisis effectively.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo expressed the fear and concern felt by the team during the incident, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Thompson, a fifth-round pick from Stephen F. Austin in 2023, had a solid performance in his lone appearance last year, recording two tackles in a Week 18 victory.
Despite the severity of the situation, medical professionals are optimistic about Thompson’s recovery, although a definitive diagnosis has not been provided yet. Burkholder emphasized that Thompson is awake, alert, and progressing positively, which is a reassuring sign.
Chiefs BJ Thompson Responsive After Cardiac Arrest; Harrison Butker Played Key Role In Helping Him https://t.co/gHYqD09RSD
— Randall J. Rogers (@ran1368) June 8, 2024
Butker, known for his achievements on the field, also demonstrated quick thinking and composure during the crisis. His actions were crucial in ensuring that Thompson received prompt medical attention, showcasing the importance of teamwork and readiness in handling unexpected emergencies.
While Butker’s past controversial remarks during a commencement speech at Benedictine College generated attention earlier in the offseason, his contributions in this critical situation underscored his ability to respond effectively in high-pressure scenarios, reflecting positively on his character and dedication to his team.
Key Points:
i. During a Chiefs team meeting, BJ Thompson suffered a seizure and then went into cardiac arrest, prompting a quick response from kicker Harrison Butker and medical personnel.
ii. Butker rushed to alert assistant trainers and the team’s vice president of sports performance and medicine, who provided immediate CPR and a defibrillation shock to stabilize Thompson.
iii. The team effectively handled the crisis, with players, security staff, coaches, and medical professionals working together seamlessly.
iv. Thompson was awake and responsive the following day, showing positive signs of recovery after being on a ventilator overnight.
v. The incident highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness, as the Chiefs had recently practiced their emergency action plan, contributing to the swift and effective response in this medical emergency.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
