Area athletic trainers will now have the tools they need to reverse sudden cardiac arrest on the field, thanks to a donation from Rush Health Systems’ employees. 

Rush employees contribute to the “Going the Extra Mile Club”, which goes to The Foundation for Rush. In turn, the foundation, established in 2015, distributes the funds in ways that will advance healthcare in the community, according to Rush. 

This year, the foundation provided the athletic trainers of the Rush Sports Medicine Team with portable Automated External Defibrillators that can go anywhere on the field, the sidelines or a dugout.

“As a member of the GEM Club, I am excited to see our contributions making such a huge impact in our community,” Heather Followell, a Rush Health Systems employee, said in a statement. “As a mother whose children are involved in football and band, I pray that these devices will never have to be used but take comfort in knowing that if needed, our Athletic Trainers are prepared.”

AEDs can reverse sudden cardiac arrest, or an abrupt loss of heart function that causes blood to stop flowing to the brain and other vital organs. This can occur to people of all ages and can be fatal if not treated within minutes. 

The American Heart Association recommends early defibrillation combined with CPR to increase chances for survival. 

“It is very exciting to be able to place these life saving devices in the hands of our Athletic Trainers to be used at our local schools,” Cheri Barry, the executive director of the foundation, said in a statement. “The generosity of the GEM Club truly speaks to the opening words of the Rush Builder’s Creed, ‘I am my brother’s keeper.’”