We are well underway with the new school year and over the past week, Riverside Health System (RHS) delivered 26 Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to athletic trainers (AT) in within Riverside providing onsite sports medicine support for area high schools. The state-of-the-art equipment is designed to assist ATs and first responders to provide efficient medical care in case of a cardiac event at a Newport News Public School, York County Public School or Isle of Wight County Public School sporting event.
“In the event of a cardiac arrest, time is vital and seconds matter,” says John Barley, D.O., Director of Sports Medicine and fellowship trained sports medicine physician with Riverside Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Specialists. “Which is why we invested in the ZOLL AED Plus ® model to provide immediate care when and where athletes need it. The system provides quick and accurate cues to responders to ensure the athlete receives the best possible care and therefore better outcomes.”
Although cardiac events during a sporting event are rare, it is best to be prepared. The ZOLL AED Plus ® model comes standard with industry-leading batteries and pads, one piece electrode design and increased durability to be ready when and where it’s needed. The system will provide high-quality CPR instructions with visual and audio prompts to ensure compression pressure and cadence are aligned with the most recent CPR guidelines.
“We are committed to ensuring safety and wellness of local student athletes,” says John LaRue, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, director of sports physical therapy and performance. “By providing these AEDs, we are not only investing in their safety but also ensuring students have a chance to compete and thrive in an environment where their health in a top priority.”
To learn more about Riverside’s sports medicine program, please visit riversideonline.com/sportsmedicine.