Proposed legislation in New Jersey aims to address sudden cardiac arrest in youth

According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 2,000 young individuals under the age of 25 lose their lives each year due to sudden cardiac arrest.

A congressman from New Jersey is taking action to prevent future tragedies.

“It was difficult for everyone to comprehend what had happened, as he was the strongest among us all,” expressed Razeenah Walker.

Kittim Sherrod, the grandson of Walker, was a remarkable athlete and football star during his time at Edison High School. Tragically, at the young age of 17, he collapsed and passed away while participating in an off-campus track event in 2009.

“Kittim was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that caused his heart to become enlarged,” Walker revealed.

Long Island Father Participating in NYC Marathon to Raise Awareness and Funds for AEDs Following Son’s Life-Saving Incident on Basketball Court

David and Joanne Babbitt understand the pain all too well. They experienced the tragic loss of their 16-year-old son, John, due to the same condition.

“I was watching him sprint across the court when out of nowhere, he stumbled and crashed down. The impact of his fall against the bleachers jarred his head,” recounted Joanne Babbitt.

Both families united with Rep. Frank Pallone on Monday at Edison High School, where he introduced legislation aimed at addressing sudden cardiac arrest in young individuals, particularly student-athletes.

“It’s all about focusing on prevention, conducting research, and raising awareness so that people can recognize that this disease exists,” stated Pallone.

The proposed legislation mandates the creation of emergency response plans for schools by the CDC and other agencies. These plans would include guidelines for CPR training and the placement of life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

According to Joanne Babbitt, if a defibrillator is used and CPR is started within minutes of a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival can increase by 50% to 70%.

Following the tragic death of their son on the lacrosse field, a Long Island family has taken it upon themselves to ensure that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are readily available in schools and on sidelines.

Parents will also receive risk assessment sheets to determine if their children exhibit any symptoms that warrant further testing.

According to Walker, Kittim had been experiencing a lack of appetite, sleeplessness, and an overall feeling of unwellness. He mentioned that Kittim had expressed his inability to eat and sleep properly for about a week leading up to these symptoms.

In this video, we will guide you through the process of using an automated external defibrillator (AED) device. It is essential to have the knowledge and skills to operate an AED as it can be a life-saving tool in case of cardiac emergencies.

Using an AED may seem intimidating at first, but with proper training and practice, anyone can learn how to use it effectively. The key is to remain calm and follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the device.

Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, and time is of the essence when it comes to saving lives. By learning how to use an AED, you become equipped to respond promptly and efficiently in emergency situations.

We will take you through the process of assessing the situation, ensuring the safety of the victim and those around you, and properly setting up the AED. You will also learn how to attach the electrode pads to the victim’s chest and allow the device to analyze the heart rhythm.

In case the AED detects a shockable rhythm, you will be guided on how to deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart. This shock can help restore a normal heart rhythm and increase the chances of survival.

During the entire process, we emphasize the importance of calling emergency services immediately. While an AED can be a crucial tool, it should never replace the need for professional medical assistance.

By mastering the use of an AED, you become an empowered individual capable of making a difference in a cardiac emergency. Love your heart and learn how to use an AED device today.

According to CBS New York, testing can be the game-changer for some student-athletes.

“I recently found out that I have arrhythmia, which means my heart was beating faster than normal,” shared Rachael Rodriguez.

After the tragic death of Sherrod, the high school took swift action to ensure that such a devastating incident would never occur again. They have taken significant measures by installing six mounted AEDs and equipping themselves with eight portable ones. This proactive approach demonstrates their commitment to the safety and well-being of their students and staff.

“Edison High School’s athletic director, Dave Sandaal, shared that whenever a runner ventures off campus, the Edison PEA Local 75 has generously provided a 1500 mountain bike. Additionally, one of our coaches will accompany the runner, equipped with an AED for safety precautions.”

Pallone expressed his optimism for the bill’s future, stating that he has garnered bipartisan support and is hopeful it will be enacted into law in the coming year.