CaroMont Health Donates Life-Saving Equipment to Local Swim Team
CaroMont Health just helped create a safer environment for a Gaston County-based swim team by donating a potentially life-saving device. Dr. Mark Heckel, cardiologist with CaroMont Heart & Vascular, served as representative in the donation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to assist the Gaston Gators, a year-round competitive swim team, should any of their participants experience a sudden cardiac event.
“Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular workouts there is,” said Greg Armstrong, head coach for the Gaston Gators. “We push each other competitively and work hard to improve our strokes. We all love putting in that effort, with that effort, I recognize it’s my responsibility to make sure our team is safe. I think having this AED available is going to help us all breathe a little easier.”
Why is this device so important? Sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA, is a quick and abrupt loss of cardiac function and is often triggered by overexertion in those with an underlying cardiac condition. In those situations, an AED can be used to shock an irregular heartbeat back to normal. Using the lightweight, portable device, which gives audible step-by-step instructions, in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can greatly increase the chance of survival.
Dr. Heckel and CaroMont Heart & Vascular received several AEDs thanks to a partnership with Gaston County Medical Society Alliance and St. Jude Medical. This is not the first time the group has provided the devices to local organizations. In 2013, they worked to place AEDs in middle schools across Gaston County, and in 2016, they equipped every athletic trainer with the lifesaving device. Earlier this year, Parkwood Baptist received an AED to help keep mission volunteers safe. Dr. Heckel considers the devices an important addition to any facility in which public gatherings occur.
“During cardiac arrest, every minute counts,” said Dr. Heckel. “If you consider the time it takes for a medical responder to arrive versus a coach or bystander to initiate first aid, it can mean the difference between life and death. While I hope the Gaston Gators never need to use the AED, I am glad it will be there should an emergency situation arise.”
Story Credit: https://www.gastongazette.com/entertainmentlife/20190104/caromont-health-donates-life-saving-equipment-to-local-swim-team
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