Converse Athletic Trainer Leads Charge for Life-Saving Equipment
Keisha Lee, Head Athletic Trainer
Courtesy of Leslie Lake, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
It could happen anywhere, at anytime, to anyone. Many victims of sudden cardiac arrests are seemingly healthy with no knowledge of a potential heart disease. And if help isn’t given, in the form of CPR and defibrillation, within minutes of collapse, most attempts at resuscitation after that are unsuccessful.
The athletic trainers of Spartanburg Regional Hospital have taken a great stride in preparing for sudden cardiac arrests in seven area schools. With the help of a $25,641.44 grant from the Spartanburg Regional Foundation, high schools and colleges in the community are now equipped with the tools to save the lives of their students and athletes.
According to Kiesha Lee, a Spartanburg Regional certified athletic trainer at Converse College, the optimal resuscitation time for a sudden cardiac arrest victim is three to five minutes. However, Converse only had one automated external defibrillator (AED), for its entire athletic campus, making the probability of hitting the three to five minute-mark almost impossible.
“We haven’t had a real need for an AED in the past, but you hear more and more about sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes. These additional AEDs are for the athletes and fans, you never know what could happen and it’s important to be prepared,” Lee said.
Converse and Wofford College each received four new AEDs, Broome High School received three, Spartanburg Methodist College got two and Spartanburg Day School received one. USC-Upstate and Spartanburg High School didn’t need any additional AEDs at this time, but will have access to the two extra AEDs if necessary. The two “floaters” will be used for community athletic events, Lee said.
While all collegiate athletic coaches are required by the NCAA to be trained in AED use and CPR, Lee said she hopes to see all sports staff members from around Spartanburg receive training in AED and CPR.
Over the next year, CPR and AED training sessions will be held for athletic staff members according to the sport’s season. According to Lee, coaches from across the Spartanburg area will be invited to attend these sessions.
In addition to the AEDs, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation grant provided funds for 3 sets of CPR mannequins, AED trainers and the American Heart Association’s CPR/AED training videos.
