SPANISH FORT, ALABAMA: In a remarkable display of heroism and quick thinking, members of the El Kamino SOS (Sports on Sand) volleyball league in Spanish Fort, Alabama, sprang into action and saved a man's life following a harrowing crash on the Causeway.
The incident took place on the evening of Wednesday, August 9, turning a routine volleyball game into a life-saving mission.
What is the El Kamino SOS League?
The El Kamino SOS League, held at the Sports on Sand facility located at 5872 Battleship Pkwy in Spanish Fort, Alabama, is a vibrant tournament that brings together volleyball enthusiasts to enjoy the game on sandy courts.
Little did the players know that on that fateful Wednesday, their evening game would take a dramatic turn. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and unexpected. Brandon Ray, a participant in the league, recounted the unsettling events that unfolded that night.
"We start hearing some noises... Don't think very much of it. Then the next thing you know -- you see a car flying by," he said.
Continuing his statement, he added, "And then the power lines start rattling and falling and the lights go out. It was kind of chaotic," as he conversed with Fox 10.
El Kamino SOS explained the situation in a Facebook post, declaring, "Tonight was a scary night at SOS. Thank you to the medically trained individuals who did not hesitate to perform CPR until the paramedics arrived on the scene."
The facility's official account further added, "Y’all saved this man’s life!" as they detailed what happened, writing, "A vehicle traveling West hit the median- went airborne and struck a Jeep Wrangler which directed the car to strike the power pole."
The account also stated, "The Jeep kept the car from going through the fence onto the courts. The man was life-flighted from the scene.
They concluded, "Power should be restored and we should be able to play Thursday - check Facebook and emails before game time. This for sure has been a memorable Birthday! God is good."
Cell phone footage captured the moment of impact, where the volleyball players were engrossed in their game when the crash occurred, followed by the sudden darkness that enveloped the scene.
Vivian Ballard, a Registered Nurse from Mobile Infirmary who was also a part of the league, recounted the initial shock that gripped the players. "We all just kind of stood there in shock for maybe a second," she said.
From volleyball player to lifesaver
In a stunning display of courage and compassion, Vivian Ballard switched gears from volleyball player to full-on first responder. Rushing to the aid of the driver, she assessed his condition and realized the gravity of the situation.
"I went to assess the man who was in the car - it was pretty clear he was not responsive, he had no pulse, he had abnormal breathing," Vivian recounted.
With 911 already called, Vivian took the initiative to begin CPR, an action that would ultimately make the difference between life and death.
Working seamlessly with another man who had helped pull the driver out of the wrecked car, Vivian and a group of fellow volleyball players formed a makeshift life-saving team.
"Me and another man -- pulled him out of the car -- we immediately started CPR -- and 4 to 5 of us just worked seamlessly just like any other nursing team you would have in an inpatient hospital we worked so well together," she recounted.
The unity and coordination displayed by the volleyball team during this critical moment was rather remarkable. Taking turns performing compressions, the players worked together as if they had been training for this very scenario.
Vivian expressed her admiration for the team's efficiency, stating, "It was the most-well run code I think I've ever been in."
A near miss for the El Kamino SOS League
In the aftermath of the incident, the players realized the close call they had experienced. Pink flags marked the path the driver had taken as he veered off the Causeway, narrowly avoiding a collision with the volleyball courts where the league was in session.
The impact of the crash knocked Brandon's Jeep a significant distance before colliding with a utility pole beyond the courts' wooden fence. The Jeep blocked the path of the car, saving the players.
Brandon, who was understandably shaken by the events, reflected on the fortuitous alignment of circumstances that spared those present from potential disaster.
"It could have been a very different story. Everything kind of lined up for me to be parked there. I don't normally park this far down -- I was running late getting here," he shared.
He continued to say, "Literally... If my Jeep had not been parked in that exact spot -- he would have come through the fence, where people are playing and sitting along the fence."
And it happened so fast I don't think anybody would have been able to react. It's just a miracle that it turned out the way it did," Brandon added.
The driver, after being air-lifted from the scene, managed to survive the ordeal, underscoring the critical importance of CPR training.
Vivian Ballard emphasized the significance of being prepared for unexpected situations, stating, "You never know when you are going to use it. I'm so glad that I had the training because, in this one incident, it made literally a life and death difference."
