June 2009 - Stuart - The Education Foundation of Martin County has secured three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and all related equipment from the Michael Abt, Jr. Have a Heart Foundation. Warfield Elementary School, Port Salerno Elementary School, and J.D. Parker School of Science, Math & Technology will each receive one unit for use in case of cardiac emergency.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device used to restore normal heart rhythm to victims of cardiac arrest. An AED is applied outside the body to automatically analyze a victim's heart rhythm. It advises the rescuer whether or not a shock is needed to restore a normal heart beat and shocks accordingly. If the heart resumes beating normally, it has been defibrillated. Each minute a victim goes without defibrillation, their chance of survival decreases by 10 percent.

Michael Christopher Abt, Jr. died from sudden cardiac arrest on March 10, 2006. Michael was a healthy, happy, active twelve-year old who collapsed at school while participating in non-contact physical education activities. Michael and Taffi Abt, parents of Michael Abt, Jr., established a foundation in Michael's name to provide AEDs to public schools in hopes of preventing additional loss of life. "It is our belief that this simple machine may have been able to save Michael's life. We'll never know. But, we'd like to know that if tragedy strikes on a school campus, these machines will be available and an action plan will be in place," stated Taffi Abt. "It is our pleasure to donate the AEDs to the Education Foundation for placement at schools in need of this life-saving equipment. It is our hope that they will never need to be used."

CPR/AED training for school staff has also been donated to these schools by Dave and Patty Magruder. The Magruder's own Jupiter-based Life Safety Solutions, Inc. which specializes in cost effective health and safety training, sales, consulting, and program management. In the past, they have donated AEDs and training to Murray Middle School and Hobe Sound Elementary.

"It's crucial that a victim of cardiac arrest be treated immediately and the Education Foundation of Martin County is committed to ensuring that each of our schools is equipped to react to a cardiac emergency should one arise. Our current goal is to make certain each school has at least one AED and properly trained staff to effectively handle such an emergency. The Abts and the Magruders share our vision and their generosity is putting us one step closer to making this goal a reality. For this, we are truly appreciative," stated Lisa Rhodes, the Foundation's executive director.

The Foundation is currently seeking funding to secure defibrillators and training for those schools in need of additional machines, as well as funding to offset expenses associated with continued maintenance and training. If you are interested in donating towards this life-saving effort, please contact Lisa Rhodes at 772-219-1200 ext. 30417. For additional information on the Education Foundation of Martin County, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.