Posted: Friday, October 24, 2014

The University of Evansville student athletic trainers of the class of 2014 presented an Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, to the Tecumseh High School athletic trainers at the school’s football game on Friday, October 17.

According to the American Red Cross, “Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.  Over 350,000 people will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest this year.  It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and at any age.  An AED is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during a sudden cardiac arrest.  The average response time in the U.S. for first responders once 911 is called is eight to 12 minutes.  For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced approximately 10 percent”.

The University of Evansville graduates began raising funds in the spring to help purchase an AED for local high school athletic trainers. As part of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Schools Program, the goal is for all high school athletic trainers to have access to this important device.

“Tecumseh is just the first to receive an AED, as the University hopes to become a central hub that area high schools can rely on for services, information, and products to become a Safe Sport School”, says Jeff Tilly, athletic training program director at UE.

UE athletic training graduates who presented the award included Katrina Kain, Sophia Pollalis, Catlin Harty, and Brittany Sheffield. Haley Campbell also participated in the project.

“Tecumseh High School would like to thank the students for raising the funds to purchase the AED and for picking Tecumseh as the recipient.  It will travel with the athletic trainers to events making the events safer for all who attend”, says Principal Josh Susott,

Also accepting the award for Tecumseh High School were athletic trainers Tim Nurrenbern and Sue Laughbaum.

Nurrenbern and Laughbaum noted that the UE class of 2014 should be congratulated for having a perfect pass rate on the Athletic Training Certification Exam. The class is 12 for 12 this year, which is a great accomplishment that speaks highly of the program and of the students in the program.

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