Though rare, sudden cardiac arrest in children strikes without warning, and its effects can be devastating.
Each year, sudden cardiac arrest claims more than 2,000 young lives in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), representing 3–5% of all deaths among children ages 5 to 19. Even more alarming, it remains the leading cause of death in young athletes, with survival rates outside a hospital estimated at just 10-15%.
“These staggering numbers underscore the critical importance of rapid response and access to lifesaving equipment,” says Jason Waller, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, CCEMT-P, NREMT-P, Emergency Department Clinical Supervisor, South Texas Health System (STHS) Heart. “Quick action can mean the difference between life and death, especially when children are involved.”
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable device designed to analyze a person’s heart rhythm and deliver a lifesaving shock if needed. Simple to operate and incredibly effective, AEDs greatly increase the chances of survival. In fact, the CDC notes that having immediate access to an AED, especially in high-activity environments like gyms and youth clubs, can boost survival rates by up to 60%.
But having an AED nearby isn’t enough; it’s important to know how to use one, it could mean the difference between life and death.
“In a cardiac emergency, hesitation can be deadly,” says Waller. “Knowing how to use an AED empowers people to step in immediately and give someone their best chance at survival.”
When employees are trained to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, perform CPR and operate an AED, they can respond more quickly, reduce risk, and enhance safety and confidence while providing critical care until emergency responders arrive.
“Early intervention keeps the victim alive long enough for advanced care to take over,” says Waller. “Those first few minutes of providing CPR, using an AED and staying engaged are about holding the line until emergency medical personnel can do their job.”
To support the safety of children across the Rio Grande Valley, STHS has donated two AEDs each to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America locations serving Edinburg, Harlingen, Mission, McAllen, Pharr, San Benito and Weslaco.
On Wednesday, April 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the STHS Education Department will train approximately 25 staff members from the seven clubs, immediately following a 30-minute press conference. The three-hour session,
which will be held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at 702 Cullen St. in Edinburg, will cover how to spot warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, administer CPR, place AED pads correctly, follow the device’s voice prompts and coordinate with emergency services for the best possible outcome.
“Ultimately, this training empowers youth-serving staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to act decisively in a cardiac emergency,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “By ensuring they are prepared to respond quickly and effectively, we are helping create safer spaces for children across the Valley every single day.”
If you’re interested in learning more about AED education available through STHS, contact the STHS Education Department at (956) 388-6636.
Who: South Texas Health System & Seven Rio Grande Valley Boys & Girls Clubs
What: AED Donation & Training
When: Wednesday, April 1, from 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Press Conference: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Staff Training: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV 702 Cullen St. Edinburg, TX 78541
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
