LINCOLN –The Nebraska Schools Activities Association is working to bring awareness, best practices and educational resources to the 303 member high schools across the state. One specific area receiving additional attention is Sudden Cardiac Arrest as the leading cause of death amongst youth activity participants.
Each year sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for over 7,000 deaths in the United States within school age children. Using an automated external defibrillator (or AED) on someone within 3 minutes of sudden cardiac arrest increases the chances of survival to 70%. Being able to shock someone within one minute of collapse raises that survival rate to 90%.
On July 8, 2015, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed August 6th as the official “NSAA Check Your Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Day”. The NSAA is encouraging all schools and organizations across the state to regularly assess their AEDs beginning with a battery check today. “As the governing organization of Nebraska high school activities, we have a duty to provide our membership with the best resources and education available, promoting safe environments and operations for our students,” said Dr. Jim Tenopir, NSAA Executive Director.
Over the past year, the NSAA has launched numerous health and safety initiatives under a “Head Heart & Heat” campaign including but not limited to heat acclimatization requirements, contact limitations and hydration education. The NSAA has also provided all member schools with the national “Anyone Can Save a Life” Emergency Action Plan Guide to assist with local efforts.
For more information on NSAA health and safety resources, visit the Sports Medicine page on nsaahome.org.
https://nsaahome.org/sports-medicine/
http://www.anyonecansavealife.org/