Project ADAM

Tomorrow marks the start of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month.

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing daily facts, tips, and life-saving information about SCA, CPR, and AEDs. Follow along, learn something new, and help spread awareness by sharing these facts with your family, friends, and community.

Children and teens don’t have to be traditional athletes to be active or at risk for cardiac arrest. Schools and extracurricular activities should all be prepared to recognize cardiac arrest and respond quickly to help save a life.

Maddie was 16 when she collapsed while warming up for marching band practice. Fortunately, coaches and staff recognized that she was in cardiac arrest, called 911, started CPR immediately, and used an AED available at the football field.

This month, Maddie is celebrating six years since her cardiac arrest and is grateful for the bystanders who were prepared to act. “They didn’t give up on me. They are the reason I’m still here,” says Maddie. Thanks to these responders, Maddie was able to continue marching band all the way through college, among other things that bring her joy.

Marching band may not be considered a competitive sport, but performers still spend hours practicing in the heat, wearing heavy uniforms, carrying instruments, and moving across the field while maintaining formation. Children in extracurriculars are active in other ways.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. Preparedness shouldn’t stop at athletics.

Are your schools, sports teams, clubs, extracurricular programs, family members, and friends prepared to recognize cardiac arrest, call 911, perform CPR, and use an AED?

Affiliate Spotlight: Project ADAM – St. Louis Children's Hospital

Location: St. Louis, Missouri | Affiliate Since: 2020

♥️Meet Our Team:
Dr. Deepa Mokshagundam – Medical Director, Pediatric Cardiology
Grace Presley, BSN – Program Coordinator

♥️PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Since 2020 we have designated 92 Heart Safe Schools, donated 86 AEDs and have 9 Heart Safe School Districts.

♥️PROGRAM WINS:
•Supporting the passage of Missouri Senate Bill 68, requiring cardiac emergency response plans in schools.

•Collaborating with MASN, MEMSA, DESE, Missouri legislators, the American Heart Association, and BJC's I Heart Blues to strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness.

•Generously supported by Pam and Ron Rubin, whose continued support helps Project ADAM SLCH provide AEDs to schools in need.

•Helping more schools and entire school districts achieve Heart Safe designation and expanding our reach into youth sports!

♥️WHAT WE LOVE MOST ABOUT OUR WORK:
Working in the community and directly with School Nurses as well as helping schools build school-wide confidence in knowing the work we do today could save someone's life tomorrow. Additionally, as a nurse and mother to a daughter with a pacemaker and complex congenital heart condition, this work is deeply personal to Grace. ❤️‍🩹 She understands firsthand how important it is to have people prepared to respond during a cardiac emergency.

♥️Interested in Becoming a Heart Safe School?
We'd love to help you get started!
•Email: [email protected]
•Website:
https://www.stlouischildrens.org/health-resources/pulse/project-adam