MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Did USC save Bronny James' life? Sports program has AED hanging in hallway, well-trained staff to handle cardiac arrest cases

A Mayo Clinic cardiologist said that James' brief stay in the ICU suggests USC's response to his unexpected cardiac arrest was 'masterfully executed'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After saving a freshman’s life last year, the University of Southern California was well-prepared to treat Bronny James when he suddenly collapsed during basketball practice on Monday, July 24. The 18-year-old son of NBA superstar LeBron James was practicing at USC's Galen Center when he was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles after suffering a cardiac arrest.

James was briefly in an intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical, and by Tuesday, he was in stable condition. Following his discharge on Thursday, Cedars-Sinai Medical Group cardiologist Dr Merije Chukumerije thanked USC athletics’ medical staff for their “swift and effective response” that helped doctors in James’ treatment for a sudden cardiac arrest. “He arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center fully conscious, neurologically intact, and stable. Mr James was cared for promptly by highly-trained staff and has been discharged home, where he is resting,” Dr Chukumerije continued. The USC staff was well-experienced to save James because they treated Vince Iwuchukwu for cardiac arrest on the same court, last year.

Did USC save Bronny James' life?

In July 2022, 7-foot freshman Iwuchukwu was practicing on the court during a summer workout when he collapsed and his heart stopped working. A trio of certified USC athletic trainers frantically ran to his aid and began administering CPR until the help arrived. One staff member called 911 while another retrieved the automated external defibrillator (AED) that hangs in a hallway off the main court. The rapid actions of the USC staff ultimately saved Iwuchukwu's life and allowed him to continue playing basketball in a competitive setting.

“With something like this, where it’s a life-or-death situation, to perform under pressure and do what they’re trained to do at that level, it’s really just incredible. They gave Vince just such incredible care, as quickly as could be possible in a situation like that.” USC coach Andy Enfield said of the Iwuchukwu incident as per LA Times. The frightening incident gave USC’s staff experience in handling the sudden cardiac arrest suffered by James. Dr Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist from the Mayo Clinic, stated that James' brief stay in the ICU suggests USC's response to his unexpected cardiac arrest was "masterfully executed." Following Bronny’s discharge, the James Family also thanked the USC staff for their quick actions and dedication.

'LeBron wishes to publicly send their deepest thanks to USC'

“LeBron and Savannah wish to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes,” the James family said in a statement to TMZ. Later on Thursday, LeBron James took to his Twitter to express his gratitude to all that helped the family through this difficult time. "I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers. We feel you and I'm so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we're ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us! #JamesGang,” the Lakers star said in a tweet.