During a basketball game between Jefferson High School and Summerfield High School in Monroe County, Michigan, a terrifying incident unfolded. Spectators were initially focused on the game but soon all eyes were on a man having a medical emergency on the court. Michigan High School Athletics Association basketball official and baseball umpire Doug Sanders was the one in distress.

In the Heat of the Game, Heroes Emerge

Medical Emergency on the Court

Doug Sanders had a heart attack while officiating the final quarter of the November 29 basketball game. He started to feel like he was going to pass out with about five minutes left in the game. Summerfield Township volunteer firefighters Aaron Myshock and Matt La Rocca, who were sitting in the stands watching their children play, noticed something was wrong with one of the game officials. "We both said 'he's having a heart attack,'" Myschock said. And he hit the floor. Without hesitation, they got up and went to help.

The two firefighters weren't on duty but their instincts took over. They directed a group of people tending to Sanders. Some checked his pulse, monitored his breathing, and gave chest compressions. "He was in cardiac arrest for a good five, ten minutes," La Rocca said. But the group never gave up. They were extremely focused on saving Sanders' life, even as spectators cleared the gym to give them space.

A group of about five spectators also stepped in to help, including Brendan Dafoe, a nurse at Toledo Hospital. "Me and that group of people I feel like were just prepared and knew exactly what to do," Dafoe said. Summerfield Athletic Director Kelly Kalb also joined in, having just created a new safety plan for the school year. She was glad that people knew what to do and were willing to help. "I learned really quickly, you're either a fighter and you're going to jump in or you're a flighter and you're going to take off. And I'm just grateful for those who are willing to jump in and help," Kalb said.

The Teamwork that Saved a Life

The group of fighters worked together diligently. They monitored Sanders and performed chest compressions from the moment he collapsed on the court. The Frenchtown Township Fire Department responded and Sanders was transported to the hospital. He was released and is now on the road to recovery.

Sanders recently started attending basketball games again as a fan. He said he has received a lot of support and well-wishes from the community, both online and in person. While he's taking a break from officiating for now, he hopes to be back on the court in late January if his medical team clears him.

First responders encouraged people to keep their distance if they find themselves in an emergency situation unless they are properly trained. La Rocca encouraged people who want to help to become CPR certified.