A 14-year-old who survived a lightning strike returned to Delray Medical Center on Wednesday to meet the medical team that helped save his life. Kevin Sosa arrived with his family and had a simple message for the doctors: "Thank you for saving my life."
Sosa was struck by lightning during a soccer game in August and went into cardiac arrest while his relatives looked on. His father later described what happened through a doctor who translated for him. He recalled turning around as his wife screamed, "Kevin, don't leave us!" and then seeing his son lying on the ground on his side.
The father turned the boy onto his back and saw that he was not breathing. He did not think his son's heart was beating, so he started CPR. His wife, meanwhile, was asking for help and for someone to call 911. A good Samaritan then stepped in and kept the CPR going until first responders arrived.
Officials said the quick thinking of the family and the bystander helped save the teen. Dr. Angela Jones of Delray Medical Center said she believes the CPR given at the scene likely prevented a secondary injury. That injury, she explained, would have been anoxia, or a lack of blood supply to the brain.
Peter Antevy, medical director of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, said the father saved his son's life by starting CPR, and that it remains an emotional burden for him. Antevy said that is why the reunion was so exciting, adding that "this is not a common thing."
Sosa did not come away unscathed. The electricity ran through his clothing and left his jersey and shoes charred. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in a coma for several days. After a month, he showed major signs of recovery and was allowed to go home. He also celebrated his 14th birthday while recovering in the hospital.
His family said the experience has brought them closer together. A doctor speaking on behalf of Sosa's father said they are "even more united and stronger than ever."
The teen also said the ordeal has not kept him from the sport he loves. "I'm going to play soccer when I get home," he said.
