Both the main and auxiliary gyms at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High were packed for the Anyone Can Help Outreach Fair Thursday night.

The event, which was hosted by ZOLL Cardiac Management Solutions, was a celebration of the people whose quick thinking saved Davis’ life when he went into sudden cardiac arrest during football practice at CW Longer Elementary on Sept. 18, and an exhortation to action – that CPR classes can save lives.

Jen Davis, Spencer’s mother, said it had been a “crazy” two months since she saw her son lying motionless on the field.

“It’s hard to believe that two months ago we didn’t know what Spencer’s outcome would be and here we are. He was diagnosed with commotio cordis, he will make a full recovery,” said Jen Davis. “We’re here to raise awareness and make change.”

Hollidayburg Area Junior High cheer coach Brittany Hoover has her blood pressure checked by Saint Francis University physician assistant student Olivia Kiray. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

District medical trainer Amy Smearman intervened with an automated external defibrillator (AED) after receiving a call from football coach Homer DeLattre that Davis had collapsed on the field, which was a critical step.

AEDs shock the heart back into normal rhythm during a cardiac event after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Pennsylvania is one of 30 states that does not require AEDs in public schools, so Spencer Davis said she wants to use her own experience as a springboard to promote the lifesaving importance of publicly accessible AEDs through the Foundation nonprofit Spencer Davis.

“Other schools just don’t have (AEDs), so our goal is to make changes and get awareness and get AEDs and CPR training out there for people,” Jen Davis said.

According to Jen Davis, there is a three-minute window that begins after the first administration of CPR to restart the patient’s heart with a defibrillator before they show neurological deficits.

A number of providers and medical organizations were on hand to answer questions and educate. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“So our plan is to get more AEDs that are more affordable,” Jen Davis said.

Spencer is making steady progress in recovery, Jen Davis said, and is returning to his normal routine.

Spencer Davis said one change will be a change from football.

“(Baseball) has always been my main thing, football is just something to stay busy, for conditioning,” Spencer Davis said, adding that he pitches and plays first base.

According to Spencer Davis, it was “amazing” to see the strong turnout from his fellow seniors.

Gabriella Brown (left), 13, learns about CPR from fellow Hollidaysburg-area seventh grader and CPR instructor Abby Montrella, 12. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“After seeing what we’ve been through, I’m just happy they’re all here learning (about CPR),” Spencer Davis said.

The Hollidaysburg community has been a source of strength for the entire Davis family in the two months since the event, Jen Davis said.

“It’s like you can’t go anywhere without somebody saying, ‘How are you…we prayed for you’ so many people,” Jen Davis said. “People were just amazing with their love for him.”

More than 200 people attended the event, which featured four different food trucks, raffle baskets and representatives from local healthcare providers such as UPMC Altoona and Conemaugh Nason.

Senior Director of Global Marketing Karen Jasmin said ZOLL’s Anything Can Happen. Anyone can help. the campaign aims to help communities prepare with AED and CPR training.

The Hollidaysburg Area High School Drumline performs as part of the night’s activities. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

According to Jasmin, Davis’ successful outcome was the result of people nearby completing CPR training and having the skills to intervene. “It was a perfect scenario.”

“We do a lot of training so the word keeps getting out and people are prepared,” she said.

ZOLL donated AEDs to both the district and the Spencer Davis Foundation and provided free CPR instruction during the event.

Hollidaysburg athletic director and football coach Homer DeLattre said the turnout for the event was “unbelievable,” noting the presence of students and representatives from several community groups.

DeLattre played a critical role when Davis collapsed and is now advocating for school districts to adopt emergency action plans similar to the Hollidaysburg version that allowed for immediate response to Davis’ cardiac arrest.

Jen, Spencer, Dave and Addison Davis listen to Spencer’s resuscitation story. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“You learn the plan, go over the plan and go over it with your coaches. You never think you have to use it, but when you do, you don’t think about muscle memory,” DeLattre said.

The event concluded with a presentation honoring the first responders, health care workers and district staff whose intervention was critical to Davis’ recovery.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin addressed Davis via pre-recorded video at the end of the ceremony.

Hamlin went into sudden cardiac arrest during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals in January 2023, where his life was saved by a promptly installed AED and CPR.

Hamlin and Davis suffered from a rare condition called commotio cordis, which is a disruption of the normal heart rhythm caused by an impact to the chest during a short period of the heartbeat cycle, which is often fatal.

“I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but you’re going to come back from this stronger … you’re an inspiration to your community and everyone around you,” Hamlin told Davis during the video, which was shown on a screen of projector. during the Heroes Ceremony presentation.

The western Pennsylvania native also acknowledged Davis’ football teammates, saying their continued support is essential to Davis’ healing process.

“The support of my team is what enabled the biggest comeback of my entire life,” Hamlin said.

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.

Spencer Davis presents a DEA on Zoll’s behalf to Hollidaysburg Area High School Principal Dr. Maureen Letcher and Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Homer DeLattre. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Hollidaysburg Area High School assistant coach Rodney Chism hugs Spender Davis after the Heroes Ceremony. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski