Florida Teen Survives Cardiac Arrest After Viral Myocarditis Diagnosis

Cardiac Arrest on Florida College Campus

• 🎯 An 18-year-old student, Tristan Flowers, suffered cardiac arrest inside a residence hall at Florida College in Temple Terrace.
• 🚨 The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. after Tristan went to the bathroom and did not return, prompting his suite-mates to check on him.

Prompt Response and CPR

• ⚡ Dorm supervisor Jorge Sanchez, known as Mr. George, was alerted and found Tristan without a pulse and not breathing.
• 🚑 Mr. Sanchez immediately performed CPR and used an AED until paramedics arrived, saving Tristan's life.
• 💡 He emphasized the importance of the school-provided CPR and AED training, stating that everyone should learn CPR.

Diagnosis and Recovery

• ❤️ Tristan spent nearly a week hospitalized and was diagnosed with viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle triggered by a viral infection.
• 🩺 Prior to the event, he had complained of flu-like symptoms for weeks, including cough, nausea, and sore throat.
• 🔋 For the next three months, Tristan will wear a LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator, as a precaution against future cardiac episodes.
• 🏀 Doctors anticipate a full recovery, and Tristan hopes to return to playing basketball soon.

Community Impact and Awareness

• 💰 A GoFundMe page has been established to help Tristan's family with medical expenses.
• 📣 The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR and AED training in educational institutions and public spaces.