Hills Lacrosse Receives Donation of 2 AEDs from Island Cardiac Specialists

Dr. Nicolas Raio from Island Cardiac Specialists and Winthrop University Hospital has donated 2 AED devices to Half Hollow Hills Youth Lacrosse. Doctor Raio wanted to ensure that the AED’s on our lacrosse field were top of the line and ready to save a life if needed.

Sudden death in Athletes is a rare but devastating injury, primarily caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation and it can happen in a myriad of ways. Louis’ Law signed by Governor George Pataki mandates AEDs be present at every scholastic sporting event in NY State. Louis’ Law is named after Louis Acampora a goalie for Northport High school who died of ventricular fibrillation.

The AED or automatic external defibrillator is an easy to use, life saving device when used properly in conjunction with CPR and now Half Hollow Hills Lacrosse is even safer with the addition of these life saving devices to our current stable of AEDs.

Dr. Raio and his medical practice Island Cardiac Specialists located in Garden City also generously help to underwrite Winthrop University Hospitals Community Coaches Program. The Community Coaches Program provides discounted training in CPR, AED use, handling head injuries, Asthma, and dealing with basic orthopedic injuries to coaches in the area. Island Cardiac has three board certified electrophysiologists on staff that specializes in all aspects arrhythmia management including radiofrequency ablation, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation.

Below is a picture of Doctor Raio presenting Eric Geringswald, Director of the Hills Youth Lacrosse Program, with the check for the AEDs during a lacrosse practice.