On September 22nd, 2015, my sister Taylor went into cardiac arrest while working out at the University of Cincinnati Rec Center. She was an 18 year old freshman just starting UC the month prior. She has always been completely healthy and has had no heart problems. She was just finishing up her run on the treadmill when she collapsed. Her heart stopped. Student workers at the University of Cincinnati Rec Center saw her collapse and immediately ran over to her to provide CPR and initiate their first responder program. Twenty Student workers and 2 professional staff provided 13 minutes of care (CPR and AED) until emergency responders arrived. After the 4th attempt to restart her heart using the AED, they were able to get it started on the way to the hospital.

Taylor was in the Cardiac ICU from 9/22-9/30. This was a pretty scary time for all of us – we weren’t exactly sure how everything was going to turn out. On 9/30 she was moved to the cardiac step down unit and on 10/2 she got a defibrillator and was discharged from the hospital the next day. She started back to classes shortly after being discharged and finished her first semester in college on the Dean’s list! We still have no idea why her heart stopped.

Bottom line – STUDENTS that knew CPR and how to use an AED saved her life. It gave the incredible Doctors and Nurses at University Hospital a chance to make her better again.

Over 300,000 people go into cardiac arrest every year and less than 10% survive. Of that 10% many have lasting neurological damage. the American Heart Assoication helps make a difference! They raise money for research, training, education and more! We are proud to support the American Heart Association