In Pasco County, Florida, a middle school gym class turned into a life-saving emergency when 13-year-old Jonathan Jackson suddenly went into cardiac arrest while getting a drink of water. Thanks to the quick action of school staff and access to an AED, Jonathan survived and recovered — a powerful example of how CPR training and AEDs save lives.

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What Happened at Crews Lake Middle School

On December 9, 2025, Jonathan collapsed unexpectedly during gym class at Crews Lake Middle School in Pasco County. His mother, Courtney Jackson, later shared that school personnel immediately recognized the urgency, called for help, and began performing CPR within moments of his collapse.

School staff also quickly retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) and used it to deliver multiple shocks to restore Jonathan’s heart rhythm, an essential step in his successful resuscitation.

Doctors later explained that without CPR and early defibrillation, the odds of surviving cardiac arrest — especially outside a hospital setting — are very low. Jonathan was hospitalized for several days but was ultimately diagnosed with a correctable condition and is now on the road to recovery.

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Why This Story Matters Across Florida

Cardiac Arrest Can Happen to Anyone

Sudden cardiac arrest isn’t limited to older adults or people with known heart disease — it can strike young, active teens without warning. Jonathan’s experience highlights why awareness and preparedness are crucial in every setting, especially schools and youth activities.

Every Second Counts

Once the heart stops, brain damage can begin in minutes without oxygenated blood circulating. Immediate CPR slows this process and keeps critical blood flow going until more advanced care arrives.

AEDs Make a Huge Difference

AEDs are designed for use by everyday people, with voice prompts and easy instructions. They can detect abnormal heart rhythms and deliver a lifesaving shock — particularly when used early. Jonathan’s survival is another powerful example of how access to these devices in schools and public spaces can save children’s lives.

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The Pasco County Response Plan in Action

Pasco County Schools has a districtwide AED program that ensures every school has at least one defibrillator available. The district also conducts regular training and emergency drills so staff are ready when every second matters.

“We wouldn’t be celebrating the holidays with our child if it weren’t for CPR and the AED,” Jonathan’s mom said, underscoring the emotional impact of preparedness and response training.

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What Florida Communities Can Learn from This Story

This school emergency offers three key takeaways for families and communities across Florida:

1. CPR Training Saves Lives
Anyone who knows CPR increases the chance that a person experiencing cardiac arrest can be helped — whether at school, work, or home.

2. AEDs Should Be Everywhere
Public access to AEDs — in schools, gyms, parks, and community centers — creates a safety net that dramatically improves survival odds.

3. Prepared Staff Matter
When adults are trained and confident, children are safer. Regular drills and hands-on practice make a real difference when emergencies happen for real.

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Be Ready When It Matters Most

Jonathan’s story is inspiring — but it’s also a call to action. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, and survival depends on those first critical minutes.

👉 Take an In-Pulse CPR + AED training course in Florida
Gain real skills, real confidence, and the ability to step in and save a life.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or neighbor, CPR training empowers you to make a difference when every second counts.