Force for Health Foundation and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Jointly Launch Student Health Force CPR Education Program for New Jersey Schools

Mary Newman of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, described the rationale for the program. “Sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death in the U.S., affects about 1,000 people each day, including 26 young people,” she said. “This is equivalent to three 747s crashing daliy and killing everyone onboard. While the average survival rate is about 10 percent, when bystanders call 9-1-1, start CPR, and use the nearest AED (automated external defibrillator), survival rates increase to 40 percent and higher,” she said. "The Student Health Force program is designed to help create a new generation of lifesavers who are ready, willing, and able to help save lives in sudden cardiac emergencies."

During the program, students had an opportunity to explore the online course in the club's computer lab, and practice hands-on CPR, using "CPR Anytime" kits donated by Laerdal Medical and Enerspect Medical Solutions. Going forward, students planned to share their experience with other students and with family and friends.

According to Assemblyman Benjie E. Wemberly (D-Paterson), one of the sponsors of NJ Law 2072, “As a legislator and a long-time coach, I wholeheartedly support this effort.” Further affirming the new program was Frank Quatrone, Lodi Superintendent of Schools. “It’s vital for students to have this type of training,” he said. “It can increase the survival rate.”

Bringing It Home

The importance of preparing for sudden cardiac arrest in school settings was underscored by several poignant stories shared during the event. JoAnne Babbitt, of the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation in Chatham, described the loss of her teenage son to sudden unexpected cardiac arrest and her family’s subsequent efforts to place AEDs in schools in his memory.

Fred Hirsch, of Lodi, who serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club, described the work of the Gregory M. Hirsch Heart Foundation, created in memory of his son, which provides heart screening for local schools.

Joining the event via video, were school nurse, Mary Ellen Urbanowicz and physical education teacher, Erin Durborow, from Eisenhower Intermediate School in Bridgewater, NJ. Urbanowicz described the day last November, when she saved Durborow’s life by giving her CPR and using the school’s AED. She would later find out that Durborow was 14 weeks pregnant and two lives were saved that day. Erin has returned to teaching and her son, Sean, is a healthy four-month-old baby.

To view related video, click here.

Steven Papa, an athletic trainer at Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, recounted his experience as a rescuer, having helped save the life of student-athlete Anthony Cortazzo last spring by giving CPR and using the school’s AED. “After all those years of practicing and teaching CPR, you never think you are going to need to use it. But then, one day, you do…and you need to be ready.”

Cortazzo was at track practice last spring when he suddenly collapsed in cardiac arrest. He subsequently underwent open-heart surgery and has been given a clean bill of health. Now a senior, Cortazzo is expected to return to the football field in a few weeks.“I know that I’m standing here today because of an AED and individuals who were properly trained,” he said. 

How the Student Health Force Grant Program Works

Two high schools from each county will be selected to receive the grant-funded program at no cost for 2014-2015. Each grant-funded high school may share its program with an after-school program or other community partner. All other interested schools will receive a 50% grant and may participate in the educational program for an annual subscription of $250 or $1.99 per student, whichever is greater. Lodi H.S. is the first school to receive the grant. Other schools may apply for the grant here.

AED Readiness Project

In addition to requiring students to learn CPR and how to use an AED before graduation from high school, NJ also requires all K-12 schools to have AEDs on site. The AED Readiness Project, a related opportunity, provides a way for schools and community centers to acquire recertified AEDs at a fraction of the cost of new AEDs, said Newman. She presented an AED, donated by the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and Enerspect Medical Solutions, to Michael Nardino, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club. He expressed his gratitude, stating that the facility’s AED – used to save a bingo player at a club event a few years ago – had been destroyed in a flood in 2012.

Local coverage

http://www.northjersey.com/news/pascack-hills-student-pushes-for-new-state-school-mandate-for-cardiac-emergencies-1.1099505

http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/local-high-school-students-learn-how-to-save-lives-with-cpr-1.1103936

About the Force for Health Foundation

As a 501(c)3 public charity, the Force for Health Foundation relies on monetary contributions from individuals, foundations, and like-minded organizations to provide student health and wellness education and interventions to schools, where a third of the population is a third of the time.

About the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and help save lives. Its programs include educational campaigns for schools and colleges.