CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — A hockey tournament honoring first responders turned into a real-life emergency Friday when a retired NYPD officer collapsed just seconds after making a play on the ice.

Joe Gomes, 64, was playing in the 9/11 hockey tournament when he suddenly went down.

A livestream of the game captured the moment Gomes got up and made one final play before collapsing off the bench.

“Something didn’t feel right,” Gomes said.

As players realized something was wrong, sticks and gloves went flying as people rushed to help.

Among those racing to Gomes’ side was Jess Herman, a paramedic with Jupiter Fire Rescue.

Herman and Gomes have known each other for more than 15 years. She was 13 when they met, and Gomes used to referee her hockey games. Herman is now 30.

“When you’ve been friends with someone for over 15 years, that’s not someone you plan on being the person and reason why they’re here today,” Herman said.

But when Gomes collapsed, her instincts kicked in.

“It was personal because it was Joe,” Herman said.

Herman was one of six first responders who worked to keep Gomes’ heart pumping. An AED was used to shock him as they worked together to save his life.

Gomes and Herman want to recognize the six first responders who helped save him:

• FF Ian Scriver — Palm Beach County
• FF Jessica Herman — Jupiter Fire Rescue
• LT Drew Johnson — Miami-Dade
• FF Joseph Arley — Coconut Creek
• LT Anthony Zapata — North Lauderdale
• Capt. Chris Loy — Coral Springs

“It was basically reeling us into chaos,” Gomes said.

“At one point we back each other up because the AED is about to shock him,” Herman said.

Gomes was rushed from the rink to the hospital. He believes he was seconds from death.

“I saw the white light,” Gomes said.

Gomes underwent surgery and 24 hours later was told by his doctor that he could go home.

But Gomes didn’t want to leave.

“I said I wanna go to the rink,” he said.

The first thing on his mind was the people who had witnessed what happened and helped save his life.

“He got shocked by an AED yesterday and the first thing on his mind, as selfless as he is, is what about everyone else that got to witness this and saved my life,” Herman said.

Gomes walked out of the hospital with what first responders call no deficits. He said his doctors could clear him in three weeks, and he’s already thinking about getting back on the ice.

Herman said saving Gomes was a team effort.

“I’m so thankful that we saved this man, but there was full-on teamwork for this, and that needs to be known. It was not a one-man job. He had multiple people making sure that he could be here another day,” she said.

Gomes said the experience has given him a lot to think about.

“I’ve had a lot of soul searching over the last few days,” he said. “To say it’s eye-opening is a complete understatement.”

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