Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), is proud to be New York State’s first affiliate of Project ADAM, a national community outreach program with a mission to provide schools with the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary to quickly identify cardiac arrest symptoms and administer on-site intervention.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when there is an electrical malfunction in the heart resulting in an irregular heartbeat. This sudden loss of heart function can result in collapse and the loss of consciousness, breath and pulse. The immediate use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or a defibrillator may be crucial for improving chances of survival until emergency medical care arrives.
SCA may occur in children – including among active kids who otherwise appear healthy and have no known history of heart problems.
Preparing Our Community Response to SCA
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Project ADAM, is helping area schools create comprehensive sudden cardiac arrest preparedness plans that include:
- CPR training for school staff, teachers, coaches, and students
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), training in their use, and routine drills and maintenance plans
- Drills to increase staff’s recognition of SCA, improve communication, and quickly coordinate with local Emergency Medical Services
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for individual students known to be at risk
New York schools seeking "Heart Safe" training may contact ProjectAdamNY@WMCHealth.org.