People often associate cardiac arrest and other heart conditions with older adults, but the sad truth is that youth can be just as vulnerable to heart attacks and other coronary events. Estimates are that approximately two high school students die every week due to sudden cardiac arrest.

These deaths are usually preventable! Anyone who is in any way involved in youth sports, or even just a member of the public, can go from bystander to lifesaver.

Here are some things you can do to help save young lives.

Everyone Can Help Save Teen Cardiac Arrest Victims!

1 – Know the symptoms

How do you know if someone is having a dangerous heart event? These are some of the most common symptoms:

• A racing heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting when startled or excited during or immediately after exercise
• Excessive shortness of breath
• Chest pain when exercising

If you see a youth athlete showing these symptoms, they should be checked out ASAP before continuing to exercise.

2 – Get CPR certified

If you have the time and energy, consider getting CPR certified through an accredited organization such as the Red Cross. You never know when someone might have a sudden cardiac or respiratory problem and need help. You might be the only one on the scene who can keep them alive until the ambulance arrives!

Save one life, and it will all be worth it.

3 – Donate AEDs

If you have more money than time, another great option is donating AEDs. Automated External Defibrillator systems can support someone in cardiac arrest, or having a heart attack, until help arrives. Your local schools, youth sports leagues, YMCA, etc, would be glad to have more access to AEDs, just in case an emergency happens.

4 – Sponsor Safety Training

In any kind of youth sports group, the more people who know how to respond in an emergency, the better. It’s not that expensive to hire an expert to conduct safety training for groups of teens, coaches, and other people involved in the sport. This is another way you could indirectly help save lives when it matters most.

The Matthew Mangine, Jr. “One Shot” Foundation Saves Lives!

On June 16, 2020, sixteen-year-old Matthew Mangine, Jr, collapsed from cardiac arrest during soccer practice. No one could help, and by the time an ambulance arrived, it was already too late. In Matthew’s memory, we are dedicated to increasing awareness of cardiac episodes and the importance of executing Emergency Action Plans to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

To learn more how you can help save young lives, please contact us or make a tax-deductible donation to the cause. You only have One Shot to save a life.