Nurse and Coach Save Teen Who Collapsed During Game

When a 14-year-old collapsed during a basketball game at Northvale Public School on Tuesday, two trained heroes sprang into action and saved his life.

School nurse Joan Bohan was watching from the stands when she saw the student fall. "I immediately didn't see him moving and I ran from the stands to go to his aid," she said.

The basketball player had no pulse and wasn't breathing. Bohan and coach Mike Schulman immediately began CPR, performing chest compressions and using a defibrillator to restart his heart.

After two rescue breaths, the teen opened his eyes. He was conscious and aware of his surroundings within moments.

"Yeah, it was scary. I've never been in this situation before," Schulman said. "The kid is doing great now and we're just happy about that."

The scene unfolded in front of concerned parents and students, but the well-trained staff never hesitated. Their quick response made all the difference between tragedy and triumph.

Sunny's Take

The teen's first words after regaining consciousness perfectly capture the resilience of young people. "Can we finish the game now?" he asked Nurse Bohan, seemingly unaware of what had just happened.

Superintendent Michael Pinajian has been in regular contact with the family. Each update brings better news about the student's recovery.

"The student is doing really well and he's excited to return to school to be with his classmates and his teachers," Pinajian said.

The story highlights why CPR training matters. Both Bohan and Schulman had practiced these skills but never needed them in an emergency until this moment.

Now a teen is alive because two people knew exactly what to do when seconds counted, and a school community witnessed the power of preparation meeting purpose.