Crime & Safety

Harbor High Student in Critical Condition After Collapsing During Gym Class

The gym teacher performed CPR, and paramedics responded quickly.

A Harbor High School student who collapsed on the field during gym class Wednesday was flown to Stanford University Medical Center in critical condition, according to Gary Bloom, superintendent of Santa Cruz City Schools.

Gym teacher Basel Faltas responded immediately, and medics, who were nearby, got to the scene quickly, Bloom said.

"A big part of the story is that it was handled remarkably well by the P.E. teacher," Bloom said.

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Paramedics responded shortly before noon. An hour later, principal Richard Davis said the student was at Dominican Hospital and thought to be recovering. He was later reported to have had a heart attack.

The school is not releasing the student's name, because he is a minor.

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