When history teacher Adam Compton suffered cardiac arrest during an after-school skate club meeting at MacArthur High School in San Antonio, his students sprang into action, showcasing the life-saving power of CPR training.
Compton recalls feeling disoriented before collapsing, leaving the room of quick-thinking teens to rally. Some called 911, while others sought help from athletic trainer Amanda Boyd. Boyd found Compton unresponsive and began administering CPR. Senior Steven Amaro, who had been CPR-certified just weeks earlier, and junior Aidan Anthony Gonzalez used a defibrillator to deliver the shock that revived him.
“Staying calm was crucial,” said Amaro, who credited his CPR training for his composed response. Boyd added, “That shock was what brought him back.”
CPR training is mandatory for Texas students, and Compton’s experience highlights its importance. Now back in the classroom, Compton expressed heartfelt gratitude to his students and Boyd for saving his life. “I’m just eternally grateful,” he said.
This remarkable story serves as a powerful reminder of the value of preparedness and the extraordinary potential of young people in critical moments.