Lourdes High School activities director Eric Larson has emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies, even though they are never expected. The Rochester Catholic School system (RCS) in Rochester, Minnesota is taking steps to ensure the safety of its student athletes by equipping them with portable AED units while on the road for games. RCS plans to provide three portable AED units for athletes to take with them when traveling to other schools.
Having a plan in place and having the appropriate resources, such as AED units, can provide peace of mind and ensure that individuals are taken care of in case of a medical emergency. Lourdes High School baseball coach Dave Jenson also emphasized the importance of not only providing AED units for RCS players and fans but also for other schools and spectators. Having portable AED units increases the likelihood of saving someone’s life in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
To raise funds for the purchase of the additional AED devices, RCS organized an athletic fundraiser on March 23 with a goal of raising $10,000. The support of the community has been instrumental in helping the school district achieve its goal. As of March 29, the school is still counting the funds to determine if they have reached the target amount needed for the AED units.
The commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of student athletes shows the dedication of RCS to providing a safe environment for all participants in school sports. The efforts to equip teams with portable AED units demonstrate a proactive approach to emergency preparedness and the importance of having life-saving resources readily available.
