The image of athletes receiving life saving shockwaves with new technology is a sigh that many people have become familiar with. One such example occurred during a recent NFL game when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and was revived using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 

Junior Alex Hill said he felt that Hamlin’s recovery will publicize the importance of having AEDs in public venues.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time,” said Hill. “Look at the recent event, a healthy 24 year old athlete went into cardiac arrest on national TV while playing his sport.”

School nurse Luong Duong is knowledgeable and passionate about the importance of AEDs.

“AEDs are great for sudden ailments and help hearts restart,” said Duong.

Business teacher Ryan Cody agreed with this sentiment.

“There should be AEDs at all sporting events,” said Cody. “Emergencies can happen at any time.”

Knowing the locations of AEDs in the school can be crucial to saving lives.

“There are four AEDs in the building,” said Duong. “They are located by the media center, gym, cafeteria, and health office.”

Some students  said that they believe that the Hamlin situation will bring awareness to the need for AEDs and other heart safety measures.

“Seeing that happen on national TV definitely spreads the idea that heart ailments are dangerous and impactful,” said sophomore Brendan Mariani.

Junior Ruari Sullivan agreed.

“While someone going down like that is tragic, it may end up saving lives,” said Sullivan. “I think it will spark fundraisers for heart health, which I would support.”