Teen basketball player saved by trainer, police officer in East Hanover

EAST HANOVER, N.J. (WABC) -- A high school basketball game nearly turned into a tragedy over the weekend.

A 16-year-old boy from New Jersey passed out on the court.

But thanks to the quick actions by a township police officer and an athletic trainer, the teen is alive today.

"No better feeling in the world," said Police Officer Mariusz Zamojski, of the East Hanover Police Department.

It's not every day that you bring someone back to life that was not breathing and had no heartbeat.

It happened Saturday afternoon at Hanover Park High School off route 10 in East Hanover.

One minute the 6'6" 16-year-old was getting ready to shoot a free throw, the next he was on his back and the place was going crazy.

"He takes a jagged step back, blacks out, and hits the back of his head," said Joe Frasciella, the Hanover Park High School trainer.

Joe Frasciella is trainer for the host team. Brandon Hurt, the basketball player who collapsed, is from Morris Knolls High School, 10 miles away.

"The defibrillator sent an electric shock that started his heart back up again," Officer Zamojski said.

"What vital sign did you get?" Eyewitness News asked.

"One big gasp and that's when we put oxygen on him," Officer Zamojski said.

It was a defibrillator and just like that, Brandon was back with that shock and one big gasp. It was a medical miracle, according to all there.

"When he started to come to, I said, 'Hey Brandon, I want you to remember my name is Joe.' Then later as he was being taken away on the stretcher, I asked him, 'Hey what's my name?' to see if he had brain function. He said, 'Joe!' And I said, 'Great!'" Frasciella said.