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<\/p>\nA California teenager is recovering after what began as a normal basketball practice at Fresno City College turned into a life-threatening medical emergency.<\/p>\n
Jackson Scarborough, 18, an incoming freshman at Fresno City College, began experiencing chest pain during basketball practice nearly two weeks ago.<\/p>\n
His mother, Joanna Scarborough, said her son had no history of heart problems, making the diagnosis unexpected.<\/p>\n
Jackson has spent much of his life playing basketball. His mother said he has been involved in the sport since childhood.<\/p>\n
“He’s been playing since he was in first grade. He’s been playing competitively since fourth grade,” Joanna Scarborough said.<\/p>\n
Standing about 6-foot-9, Jackson helped the Clovis High School Cougars win the Central CIF Division Two championship this year and graduated from high school this spring.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Clovis teenager is recovering after what began as a normal basketball practice at Fresno City College turned into a life-threatening medical emergency.<\/p>\n
Fresno City College athletic trainer Francisco Gamboa said the team had just finished watching film when Jackson reported symptoms.<\/p>\n
“They had just gotten out of the film, so they hadn’t done any physical exertion at all,” Gamboa said.<\/p>\n
Jackson alerted coach Rob Haynes, who called over Gamboa. After checking Jackson’s condition, Gamboa became concerned.<\/p>\n
“I saw the readings, and they weren’t matching up with what was being shown,” Gamboa said.<\/p>\n
Joanna Scarborough said her son called her from the trainer’s office.<\/p>\n
“He called me from the trainer’s office and said, ‘Mom, I’m having a hard time breathing. The trainer wants to talk to you. From there, he said ‘We’re calling EMS,” she said.<\/p>\n
Jackson was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, where testing revealed he needed emergency surgery.<\/p>\n
“They thought it was an aneurysm, and when they got in there, it was an aortic dissection, which was a lot more serious,” Joanna Scarborough said.<\/p>\n
An aortic dissection is a life-threatening tear in the aorta. Jackson underwent nine hours of surgery, which his mother said was successful.<\/p>\n
“What we’ve heard is that only 30% of people to whom this happens actually make it to the hospital,” Joanna Scarborough said.<\/p>\n
His mother credited the athletic staff at Fresno City College with recognizing the seriousness of the situation and acting quickly.<\/p>\n
“They’re the heroes here. They recognized it and they made the call to get him here in time,” she said.<\/p>\n
Gamboa said responding to emergencies is part of the training the athletic staff receives.<\/p>\n
“It’s a bit overwhelming. It’s what you train for, hoping you never have to use it. But the fact that I actually got to implement it and save someone’s life is very gratifying,” he said.<\/p>\n
Jackson is currently undergoing rehabilitation at San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Northeast Fresno. While his family hopes he will eventually return to basketball, their focus remains on his recovery.<\/p>\n