Archive - Dec 2008 - Schools Article

Use of AED Improves Survival Rates

Rosemont, IL (Vocus/PRWEB )--Utilizing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as part of a comprehensive emergency action plan (EAP) at an athletic event can mean the difference between life and death for an athlete or spectator experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) , confirms a study published in the inaugural edition of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

ATLANTA -- Bernardo Soto, 11, is back in class after suffering sudden cardiac arrest in a school hallway.

His assistant principal at Chestnut Log Middle School in Douglas County helped save his life with quick thinking, good training and the right equipment.

“This was a divine moment and divine timing,”said Assistant Principal Greg Williams. “I feel great every time I see him. It was a meant-to-be moment.”

Soto, a sixth-grader, had no idea his heart was in trouble until he collapsed on September 26 on his way to first period.

“Do you remember waking up and feeling funny that day?” 11Alive’s Jennifer Leslie asked Soto.

“Yes,” he replied.

It turned out he was suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, which is usually deadly.

“I had not doubt we were gonna get Bernardo through this,” Williams said. “No doubt.”