Houston Christian University (HCU) student Khalil Hopkins never imagined that he would begin his freshman year facing a life-threatening medical emergency.
A graduate of Stuart Career Tech High School in Baytown, the HCU freshman had received an educational scholarship to attend HCU and was ready to begin pursuing his undergraduate studies. Two days after the start of classes, he remembers heading to the bookstore when he suddenly felt lightheaded and sat down on a bench in front of Sharp Gym.
“I sat down, and out of nowhere I couldn’t breathe and everything went black,” shared Khalil.
HCU beach volleyball athletes Rachel Heilbrun and Tatum Lockhardt were in the area that afternoon when they noticed a young man lying face down on the ground in front of the gym and ran to the athletic training room to seek help.
When word reached Hanna Stelzer, HCU’s Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, and Victoria Ekeocha, Asst. Athletic Trainer, the pair immediately went into action to render aid. Stelzer began administering physical chest compressions to resuscitate the HCU freshman.
“At first Khalil had shallow breaths and a pulse, but as time passed, he was still not responding, and his pulse was fading,” shared Stelzer.
HCU Police Sgt. Mark Maxey, on a nearby call, arrived within minutes and alerted dispatch to contact emergency medical services (EMS) while he controlled the scene. Ekeocha retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) device from the gym to assist Stelzer in resuscitating the student.
“Thankfully, after doing compressions the second time, the EMS arrived and immediately took over caring for Khalil,” shared Stelzer.
EMS personnel stabilized the student’s condition and helped him regain consciousness before transporting him to nearby Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital.
For Ekeocha, the medical emergency highlights the importance of AEDs and AED/CPR training.
“You never know if or when the knowledge will be necessary, and it is so important for as many people to have such training as possible. Having AEDs in all buildings and knowing where they are located is also very important. I am so thankful that Hanna and I have that training and were able to be here to help Khalil when he needed it,” said Ekeocha.
Stelzer expressed thanks to God for the positive outcome and commended each individual who played a pivotal role in rendering aid that morning.
“I am so grateful for God’s grace and mercy over Khalil’s life and for His provision over the whole incident. Each person that was there played a vital role in caring for him. Seeing Khalil in good health the next day brought us so much joy to which we give God all the glory!” said Stelzer.
As Khalil looks back on the incident, he, too, is grateful.
“I was told that they acted fast and made sure I was responding and was able to breathe. The trainer gave me an inhaler so I could breathe a little and bring my pulse back up. If it wasn’t for the help of the trainer and Rachel and her friends, I don’t know what would have happened,” said Khalil.
As he continues his undergraduate studies in business management with hopes of one day working in the banking industry, he is reminded of one of his favorite quotes by boxing great Muhammad Ali that he strives to live by.
“Don’t count the days. Make the days count,” shared Khalil.
With the life-saving actions of HCU students and staff, Khalil has a chance to do just that.