Basketball Star Dennis Johnson Dies of Cardiac Arrest

Thanks to Angelo of NBA Obsessed, I learned about former Celtic player Dennis Johnson’s death yesterday. Johnson was 52-years-old and had no symptoms prior to collapsing. He had just finished coaching Boston’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Austin Toros, and was chatting, joking, and laughing with spokeswoman Perri Travillion when he suddenly collapsed. He never regained consciousness.

This is a classic case of cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, victims of cardiac arrest experience a sudden loss of resposiveness ad no normal breathing. If you’re with someone who has these signs, you should call 9-1-1 (or the emergency medical number in your area) and get an automated external defibrillator (AED) before starting CPR.

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