Bryson Medley is the son of Tarra Jenkins (Medley), Regional Director of Client Services & Development for Vernis & Bowling. In May of 2021, 17-year-old Bryson collapsed on the court during an AAU basketball game. He was revived on the sidelines by Kathe Bagnato, Certified Athletic Trainer for Ortho Carolina, and was transported by helicopter to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, where he remained for 5 days.
To bring awareness of cardiac health during American Heart Month, Bryson and Kathe were gracious enough to share their experience.
photo of Bryson Medley and his mother Tarra
“If sharing my story can save someone’s life, then I’m glad to do it.”
— Bryson Medley
Hi, Bryson. Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed. First of all, how are you, and how have you been feeling lately?
I’m feeling fine physically. Mentally, I think about it (the incident) daily. I tried to push it away initially. Now when I play basketball, I am hyperaware of my heartbeat. I can feel the hardware in my chest. It was a very traumatic experience and it changed everything. I take medicine every day. I can’t miss a dose or a day. There is a difference in my muscle mass and breathing. At first, with everything I did, I was overly cautious due to fear. I don’t live in fear now, but I do have to live with this new reality every day.
What do you remember about the incident?
I have heard a lot of accounts of the incident, but I have no memory of it. I blacked out when it happened. I remember driving to the tournament. I don’t remember anything after that.
You have a permanent defibrillator implanted in your heart?
Yes. It has gone off, but not because of heart complications, because of magnetic interference. I don’t feel anything; I just hear the device making noise in my chest.
What was your reaction when you heard about the cardiac injury to Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills?
I saw it an hour after it happened on social media. When I saw him collapse, I didn’t know what was wrong but I prayed that it wasn’t his heart. It reminded me of what people told me about what happened when I collapsed. It made me sad seeing it since I didn’t have any memory of my incident. I imagined what it must have been like for my family and friends to see me like that.
If there is one thing you could emphasize to people during American Heart Month, what would it be?
I would recommend that everyone get checked out, even if you feel fine, especially athletes. Everything can change in an instant. I hope this inspires people to learn CPR, go to their doctor, or get an EKG before playing sports. If sharing my story can save someone’s life, then I’m glad to do it.
Are you still playing basketball?
I shoot around almost every day for fun. I don’t want to play organized sports right now. I feel like my heart is still recovering.
What are your plans for the future?
I don’t even know where to start, there is so much that I want to accomplish! This year, I want to explore a modeling career. I’m waiting to see what path life will take me on, and I will follow where it leads.
Kathe, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Have you experienced an incident like this before?
I have had to do CPR and use the AED (automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest) another time on a 16-year-old football player who dropped in the middle of practice. They had to put in a pacemaker and he was able to return to non-contact sports.
How did you respond?
We were at a basketball tournament with many games being played simultaneously. Bryson slumped onto the floor and they called out for me to come over. He was having a seizure at the time, so I put him on his side. I had to stop all play on all of the tournament courts because it was so loud that I had trouble hearing. There were 2 officials that helped me do CPR. We attached the AED and continued CPR. We had to shock him 3 times until the ambulance got there. It felt like forever, but it was only about 15 minutes. Once EMS arrived, Bryson had a heartrate.
I know how grateful that Bryson and his family are that you were there to assist him.
I have been involved in sports medicine and athletic training for 29 years, so I just went into crisis mode. It was very hard looking up and seeing his parents faces as I was performing CPR on their son. I’m happy that he recovered.
What do you want people to know during American Heart Month?
Know your health condition, know what your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are. Know your risk factors. Regardless of your age, get annual checkups. Most public buildings have an AED. When you go out to facilities, look around and see where they may be located. It’s so important to be aware of your surroundings.