'Can save lives': Franklin teen given a second chance helps donate AED to community center

FRANKLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Franklin teen given a second chance in life is sharing his story to make sure his community is prepared to take action.

"It was scary, didn’t know what to do," said Jeremy Zahn, Carter Zahn's father.

It's been nearly two years since now 18-year-old, Carter Zahn, was playing in a basketball tournament when his life changed forever.

"Within five minutes of playing his first game he collapsed," said Jeremy Zahn. "At first, we weren’t sure what was happening. All of the sudden a teammate’s mom jumped into action and administrated CPR, called for AED and also 911."

That mom's quick thinking and an AED on hand saved Carter's life and now he's paying that forward to his hometown.

“You never know when something like this could happen," said Carter Zahn. "It could happen any moment, anytime. I was healthy, I had no underlining conditions, so anyone can experience it. Just having a SaveStation, especially outside can save lives."

Now, thanks to the help of Carter, the Franklin Community Center has a SaveStation, with an AED at the ready.

The AED talks through each step, so anyone can respond in an emergency where every second matters.

“If the AED wasn’t there, the outcome could’ve been very different," said Carter Zahn. "Because you only have about a couple minutes to really save that person."

From youth sports to school extracurriculars and community events, the center is heavily used by residents. Now, they can play prepared and worry free.