I Wish…

I wish that my seven-year-old cousin Benny, who has Down syndrome, didn’t have a heart defect; unfortunately, he does. When he was only a few months old he had open heart surgery and will need another open-heart surgery in a few years. While his heart seems to be doing well right now, my family knows that there is a possibility something could change.

I wish that a student at my high school had not stopped breathing and had his heart stop while running laps during gym class; unfortunately, it did. The quick actions of a school principal and nurse saved his life before paramedics could arrive on the scene.

I wish more people knew that Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) affects approximately 16 people under the age of 18 every day. In fact, it claims the lives of 350,000 people of all ages and genders every year.

But you, yes you, have the power to save the lives of people affected by Sudden Cardiac Arrest. ​

Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. The electrical system controls the rhythm and rate of your heartbeat so when it stops working properly it prevents blood from flowing to your vital organs and brain. Heart Attacks are different from Sudden Cardiac Arrest because with heart attacks, blood flow to the heart is blocked but generally doesn’t stop beating. If not treated quickly, SCA usually results in death within minutes. The fastest way to treat SCA is with an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). A defibrillator is a medical device that restores a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to a person’s heart.

You may pass by AEDs every day and not even realize what they do or how to use them. You may even think that it is a device only for medical professionals. I wish more people knew that everyone can and should use an AED in the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

If all I do is wish, without taking any action, then change will never happen. I want to be part of the solution and after hearing my personal experiences, I hope you do too. Here are some ideas about what how you can be prepared and make a difference if Sudden Cardiac Arrest happens around you.

1. Contact your local fire department or American Red Cross and inquire about classes they are offering for AED training. My local fire department has information about their classes on the city’s website. Then, gather your friends or family and take the class together.

2. Organize an AED training event with a school club. In my case, I have organized a special AED training for my HOSA-Future Health Professionals club at school. We will also be walking around the school to identify where AEDs are located and evaluating how we can spread the word to other students. There are 65 students in my school’s club so imagine the impact of having that many people comfortable using or guiding an adult in using an AED!

3. Ask your parent(s) if they have an AED at their workplace(s), if they know where it is, and if they know how to use it. If they don’t, this is the perfect opportunity to work together and make a difference! Check out the AED Superstore for all types of products that can be used in workplaces, schools, and other community areas.

4. Notice where AEDs are located in places you spend time at. Once you know what they look like, they are pretty easy to find. Look for the red heart with the white lightning bolt inside it.

5. Learn the signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest so you are prepared to help someone in an emergency. Remember, knowledge is power. You can learn more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest from the Mayo Clinic.

Whether your interest is in science, technology, engineering, or math, you can make a difference in your field of interest and in the world around you by being prepared to help someone in cardiac distress. Share your ideas and stories in the comments section below.