Weatherford Public Schools Athletic Trainer Grant Schamburg is working to expand the lifesaving equipment on-hand during practices and games.
In particular, Schamburg wants to procure more automated external defibrillators (AED) in facilities used by WPS athletes.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in young athletes. This can be caused by a sudden hit to the chest – whether from a ball or another player – as well as stress on the athlete’s heart. AEDs can be used to treat cardiac issues while waiting on emergency medical personnel.
The equipment also could be used to assist those in the stands experiencing a sudden cardiac emergency.
“This equipment can save a life just as easy as anything,” Schamburg said. “All you have to do is open it up, plug it in and it will tell you exactly what you need to know.”
This means anyone can use the equipment and no special training is needed.
The brand currently being used by the school has the added benefit of being compatible with equipment used by local emergency responders.
“They can take the machine off and plug their own devices into the pads, which saves a lot of time and a lot of energy,” Schamburg said.
Currently, WPS has two portable AEDs. However, the district is waiting on a replacement battery for one of the machines. Schamburg said he takes the operating AED to all sporting events he attends, but WPS often has more than one event going on at the same time.
The district also has one permanent AED installed in the high school gymnasium, making basketball and volleyball the only sports which have an AED for all practices and games.
“Overall my plan is to get an AED at every location used by Weatherford High School athletics: Eagles Field, the softball complex, soccer complex and the tennis courts,” Schamburg said.
As part of this plan, Schamburg has asked the Weatherford Kiwanis Club to consider purchasing an AED, which would be kept in the concession stand at the softball complex. This machine would be available to everyone using the complex.
The club agreed to discuss this item during upcoming board meeting.
Machines typically run between $1,400 and $1,500, have a battery life of 5-7 years depending on frequency of use and have a 10-15 year lifespan. Machines are checked monthly for battery life and pad supply.