Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Event at Cook Children’s

If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, the first step is to always call 911. The minutes you spend waiting for a doctor are crucial. If you know how to perform CPR and use an AED, waiting for first responders to arrive can mean the difference between life and death.

The Project ADAM program at Cook Children’s is hosting a FREE hands-only CPR/AED demonstration Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m alongside special guests Prosper Fire REscue and Police Department. There will also be Drowning Prevention and Safe Sleep Education, Free Car Seat Checks, Build A Bear and Kona Ice from 12-1pm!

Visit us in the Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper parking lot at 4100 W. University Drive, Prosper, TX to learn how to save a life! Kids, be sure to wear your Halloween costume! We look forward to seeing you!

Resources and preparation

More than 700 schools in North Texas have collaborated with the Project ADAM program at Cook Children’s to become a “Heart Safe” school. The program trains school staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and helps create an emergency response plan. It also provides resources and support to become a Heart Safe school is renewed every year depending on training and requirements. Project ADAM is a free resource for schools and the community.

Exercise is known to increase the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest in children and young athletes. On average, a seemingly healthy young person in the United States suffers sudden cardiac arrest every three days, and it is the leading cause of death among young athletes.

The ADAM project reiterates the importance of being prepared for a cardiac emergency with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an AED, particularly in sports and school settings.

Athletic personnel must recognize the threat to young athletes and adequately prepare for sudden cardiac arrest. Any school or organization that sponsors athletic activities should have an AED, trained trainers and a written emergency plan.

Training to prepare for cardiac emergencies enables people to use the AED device. Texas requires all schools to have an AED, but often people don’t know where it is, how to use it in an emergency, or rely solely on the school nurse to use the device.

Signs and symptoms of heart disease in children

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. SCA often occurs in active people with no history of heart disease. In children, the most common causes are genetic, congenital, or related to a sudden blow to the chest. With rapid treatment with an automated external defibrillator (AED), it is possible to restart the heart and increase the chances of survival.

Heart disease in children has warning signs and symptoms that may go unnoticed. It is important to recognize the following:

• Fainting or near-fainting during or after exercise, emotions or surprises
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Extreme fatigue associated with exercise
• Extreme shortness of breath associated with exercise
• Discomfort, pain, or pressure in the chest during or after exercise
• Jumping or racing heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Congenital heart defects
• Family history of sudden death before age 50 or known cardiac abnormalities

Not all episodes of sudden cardiac arrest are preventable, as many children do not show symptoms until they have the episode. For this reason, secondary prevention strategies are important.

About Project ADAM

The nonprofit and nationwide Project ADAM aims to educate school systems, nurses, coaches, trainers, parents and others about sudden cardiac death in children and to establish emergency response programs to provide a timely and life-saving response when emergency medical services are en route to an incident .

Project ADAM was created in 1999 after a 17-year-old Wisconsin student named Adam Lemel collapsed while playing basketball and died. In his memory, his parents helped start the Project ADAM program at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Cook Children’s is one of 35 hospitals and program sites offering free cardiology resources, including training and AED devices.

RELATED: How to Become a Heart-Safe School