Three New Jersey teenagers’ friendship was solidified when high school wrestler J.J. Machnik suffered sudden cardiac arrest due to his genetic heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hosts Jessica Reyes and Patricia Wu break down the story on Psychology Behind the Headlines with mental health advocate, Rabbi Brandon Gaines.
Reacting at a moment’s notice
Machnik’s friends, Giovanni Scafidi and Trevor Hodgins, immediately recognized the emergency and performed CPR until paramedics arrived. The five minutes of uninterrupted CPR proved crucial, as Machnik was then hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma. Fortunately, he recovered and was discharged after 13 days, having received a defibrillator to prevent future incidents.
The true meaning of friendship
Machnik’s parents had previously informed their son’s friends about his condition and encouraged them to learn CPR, a decision that ultimately saved his life. The incident emphasizes the importance of CPR knowledge and highlights the strength of friendship in the face of adversity.
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