Archive - Sep 2009

ZOLL Medical Corporation (Nasdaq GS: ZOLL), a manufacturer of resuscitation devices and related software solutions, and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation today are jointly issuing a reminder in conjunction with SCA Awareness Month in October about the importance of having automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) available in schools and at athletic events. With the start of a new academic year and the onset of the fall athletic season, AEDs need to be available should a student, teacher, staff member, parent and/or visitor fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Gearing up for National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, Contest Focuses on Lifesaving Skills

Gearing up for National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, Contest Focuses on Lifesaving Skills

My personal connection to the cause

I have worked for many years in the field of emergency medical services. People often ask me why I am interested in sudden cardiac arrest. Do I have a personal experience that motivates me?

I  respond that I am simply interested because I recognize the huge potential for saving so many lives cut drastically short by this preventable and treatable condition. And, I have been blessed to know and work with many of the giants in the field.

In addition, I've developed a deep connection with people personally affected by sudden cardiac arrest. I have been blessed to know many survivors of sudden cardiac arrest—and many families who have lost someone dear to them because of this insidious stalker. Sooner or later, I have come to understand, sudden cardiac arrest touches every one of us.

Join Us for a Memorable Evening

In recognition of National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month (October), the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation has announced its 2009 Genesis Awards Reception, honoring the heroes of Rhinebeck (NY) High School who saved the life of Kaitlin Forbes when she suffered sudden cardiac arrest in 2005 at the age of 15. The event will take place at Hyde Park, 247 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, on Thursday, October 15 from 6:00­–8:00 pm. Event proceeds will be used to support the mission of the Foundation to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and save lives.

Join Us for a Memorable Evening

In recognition of National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month (October), the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation has announced its 2009 Genesis Awards Reception, honoring the heroes of Rhinebeck (NY) High School who saved the life of Kaitlin Forbes when she suffered sudden cardiac arrest in 2005 at the age of 15. The event will take place at Hyde Park, 247 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, on Thursday, October 15 from 6:00­–8:00 pm. Event proceeds will support the mission of the Foundation, to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and save lives.

Doctors say that all young athletes should undergo a heart check before taking part in competitive sport, to avoid the tragedy of sudden death from undiagnosed heart conditions. New research shows that doctors would need to screen 143 people to find one athlete who should not take part in sport.

The sudden death of a young person playing sport is devastating for all involved. Fortunately, it is rare: one estimate says that it happens to 1 in 28,000 young people taking part in sport. But doctors want to be able to spot young athletes at risk, in time to treat them and avoid it happening at all.

Most sudden deaths of seemingly healthy athletes during sport happen because of an undiagnosed heart problem. Doctors are divided about how to screen young athletes in order to pick up undiagnosed heart problems.

MARTINSVILLE­, NJ – The third annual “Walk With Heart” was held on Sunday, May 17 at The Pingry School to raise funds for the JohnTaylorBabbitt Foundation, in its effort to prevent sudden cardiac death.

More than 400 students and families from the area participated in the event which raised more than $45,000 for the foundation. All participants received an event T-shirt, as well as complimentary food and beverages. Music, a raffle, and wonderful prizes made the event fun for all ages.

In addition, representatives from Atlantic Health Systems were present at the walk to demonstrate the use of Automated External Defibrillators.

Chuck Trimble was rooting for his beloved Cincinnati Reds when his heart unexpectedly stopped beating.

But Trimble was lucky. He suffered cardiac arrest Aug. 23 in front of 21,209 fans at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, including a nurse, an emergency medical technician and a doctor well-trained in CPR.

"I don't remember anything that happened, but I've been told that three strangers saved my life," said Trimble, 60, who lives in Corry.

Once a year, Trimble and his wife, Sharon, drive from Corry to Pittsburgh when the Reds visit to play the Pirates. This year, they took their 4-year-old grandson, Brant Xander.