The unity of a team during uncertain moments, whether on the football field or in life, is essential. There is a care and concern for one another that can’t be measured, as was the case during BJ Thompson’s medical emergency at the Kansas City Chiefs training facility Thursday.
Chiefs Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance Rick Burkholder addressed the media after Friday’s practice to explain the traumatic situation and Thompson’s progress.
“BJ, when he had the seizure, (Harrison) Butker immediately ran towards the training room and grabbed Julie Frymyer and David Glover and grabbed me,” Burkholder told reporters.
“We went into the room, and eventually, Tiffany Morton and Evan Craft came in; as well as this facility, we have a doctor’s office down the hall, and Dr. J.P. Darche from Kansas University Health System was there.
“He came up and assisted in as a team. We tried to stabilize BJ and then put him on the floor while he was still seizing, and then he went into cardiac arrest. So our team of that group of people provided CPR for him.
He had one AED shock and came back. So he was he was only in cardiac arrest for probably less than a minute, minute and a half.”
The Chiefs and every team in the league must practice life-saving procedures similar to those used for helping Thompson. Burkholder and the players reviewed the protocols on Monday of this week.
“(Thompson) was taken to KU Hospital, where he was heavily sedated yesterday through the night, and then he was brought out of the sedation this morning,” Burkholder explained. “He was on a ventilator overnight, just so he could breathe, because he was so heavily sedated that’s all out. He’s alert, he’s awake. He’s coming through quite well. We don’t have a diagnosis, and sometimes you don’t have that in medicine. He’s awake and alert and headed in the absolute right direction.”
Butker’s immediate response, highlighted in the special teams meeting, helped save precious time as Thompson efficiently got medical attention.
The Kansas City Chiefs organization is known for its strong sense of teamwork both on and off the field.
The recent incident involving BJ Thompson's medical emergency is a testament to the quick thinking and coordinated efforts of the team members, particularly kicker Harrison Butker, who played a crucial role in assisting his teammate during a life-threatening situation.
The incident occurred at the Chiefs' training facility, where Thompson experienced a seizure that quickly escalated into a cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, Butker sprang into action, alerting the team's medical staff and assisting in providing immediate care for Thompson.
His swift response, along with the timely arrival of medical professionals, ultimately led to Thompson receiving life-saving CPR and an AED shock, which successfully revived him.
Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs' Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance, commended Butker and the entire team for their coordinated efforts in responding to the emergency.
He emphasized the importance of practicing life-saving procedures and being prepared for unexpected medical situations, highlighting how the team's preparation and quick action were instrumental in ensuring Thompson received prompt and effective care.
Following the incident, Thompson was transported to KU Hospital, where he received critical care and was closely monitored by medical professionals.
Despite the severity of the situation, Burkholder provided an encouraging update on Thompson's condition, stating that he had shown positive signs of recovery after being brought out of sedation.
While a definitive diagnosis was still pending, Thompson's alertness and progress were indicative of his resilience and the comprehensive care he received from the medical team.
The Chiefs' commitment to supporting their players extends beyond the football field, as demonstrated by their unwavering dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of every team member.
The solidarity displayed by the entire organization during Thompson's medical emergency reflects a culture of compassion, teamwork, and preparedness that permeates throughout the Chiefs' community.
As an integral part of the Chiefs' special teams unit, Butker's selfless actions exemplify the values of camaraderie and unity that define the team.
His quick thinking and immediate response not only underscore his role as a dependable teammate but also serve as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that individuals can have when they come together for a common purpose.
The events that unfolded during Thompson's medical emergency serve as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of being equipped to handle unforeseen challenges.
The resilience and collective effort demonstrated by the Chiefs organization in responding to this crisis exemplify their unwavering commitment to supporting one another through adversity.
As Thompson continues on his path to recovery, the entire Chiefs community stands united in offering their support and well-wishes for his health and healing.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the strength that lies in unity, compassion, and preparedness—values that are deeply ingrained in the fabric of the Kansas City Chiefs organization.
