The AED Readiness Project: A Cost-Effective Solution for Schools Aiming to Prepare for Sudden Cardiac Arrest by Deploying Defibrillators
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) September 25, 2014 -- In recognition of National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month in October, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and Enerspect Medical Solutions have joined forces to launch the AED Readiness Project, a national initiative to improve access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in locations that might otherwise lack opportunities to acquire the lifesaving devices.
A recent statement from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, which addresses heart screening recommendations for young people aged 12-25, notes that “Broader dissemination of automated external defibrillators in public gathering places, such as sports arenas and schools, can be highly effective in saving young lives on the athletic field or elsewhere, when cardiac arrest does occur.”
Through the AED Readiness Project, schools, sports venues, and other interested parties can acquire recertified AEDs for $450 each, a third of the price of a new device. A portion of the cost is a tax-deductible contribution to the nonprofit Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.
AEDs are used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating, usually without warning. SCA strikes about 1,000 people each day in the U.S., including 26 young people. On average only 10 percent of victims survive, but when AEDs are used immediately by bystanders, survival rates increase to 40 percent and higher.
AEDs are safe and effective user-friendly devices designed for use by laypersons with little or no training. They provide visual and voice prompts and will never deliver a therapeutic shock to restart the heart unless one is needed.
“Immediate use of AEDs saves lives," said Norman S. Abramson, MD, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation medical director. "We believe the AED Readiness Project provides a cost-effective solution for schools, sports clubs, and other venues preparing to respond effectively to sudden cardiac arrest. This initiative not only strengthens our nonprofit's mission to raise awareness about SCA and help save lives, but also provides a tangible solution for those who have struggled with the challenge of raising sufficient funds to acquire new AEDs.”
David Shelton, Enerspect president and CEO agrees. “The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation has a long history of creating community awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the preparations needed to save lives. We all recognize that more lives will be saved through greater proliferation of AEDs.”
For more information about the AED Readiness Project, click here. This offer is good in the U.S. only, while supplies last.
For general information on saving lives in secondary schools, click here.
About the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a national community benefit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and saving lives. Programs include educational campaigns for secondary schools and colleges and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Network, an online community that provides peer support and opportunities for survivors and family members to participate in awareness, advocacy, and research initiatives.
About Enerspect Medical Solutions
With 30 years of experience in the emergency medical response market, the Enerspect team offers solutions focused on strengthening emergency response systems to improve overall medical outcomes through training and innovative technology solutions.
Mary Newman, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, http://www.sca-aware.org, +1 7249340034, [email protected]
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