Local Athletes Receive Life Saving Device

Our athletes are now better protected against serious medical issues thanks to a donation from a Massachusetts company.

The Amherst Patriots and Souhegan Valley Sabers youth football and cheer programs announced today that they have received two AED Plus automated external defibrillators from ZOLL Medical Corporation of Chelmsford, Mass.

The AED Plus units will be available during all games and practices should someone experience sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of unexpected death. The AED Plus offers real-time audio and visual CPR feedback to guide the infrequent or less-experienced rescuer to the correct depth and rate of chest compression.

The donation was made possible by Jurgen Kappers, a marketing director at ZOLL, whose son, Yannick, 9, recently started to play for the Amherst Patriots.

“The Amherst Patriots Organization greatly appreciates ZOLL’s donation of the two AED Plus units. We hope to never have to use the devices, but knowing they are at our fingertips will ensure our program is as safe as possible for our children, their coaches, and people attending the games,” said Michele Hennas, president of the Amherst Patriots.

Each year, approximately 76 young U.S. athletes collapse and die from SCA during practice or a game. The incidence of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest among high school athletes ranges from .28 to 1 death per 100,000 high school athletes annually in the U.S. Using an AED can restore the heart back into normal rhythm.

According to a spokesperson from the American Heart Association, “Having an AED on site at athletic facilities is critical. For every minute that a person is without a heartbeat, it translates to 7-10% decrease in the chance for survival.

With an AED on site, rescue techniques can begin almost immediately, therefore increasing the chances of survival and minimizing any lasting effects of sudden cardiac arrest.”

Immediate treatment is essential to survival of cardiac arrest. The problem isn’t whether cardiac arrest can be reversed, but reaching the victim in time to do so. The American Heart Association supports implementing a “chain of survival” to rescue people who suffer cardiac arrest.

The chain consists of:

• Early recognition of the emergency and activation of the emergency medical services (EMS).
• Early defibrillation when indicated.
• Early bystander CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Early advanced life support followed by post resuscitation care delivered by healthcare providers

Information provided by Amherst Patriots.