St. Luke's Donates AEDs to Shenandoah Valley
St. Luke's Health Network recently donated 2 new AEDs to the Shenandoah Valley School District.
The tragic injury incurred by Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills and witnessed by a sellout stadium and a large television audience suddenly portrayed the game of football in a much different perspective. Damar, who was only twenty-four years old collapsed on the playing field after making what appeared to be a routine tackle. Immediately members of the Buffalo Bills’ medical staff made their way onto the field where Damar laid motionless. The seriousness of the situation became more apparent when the EMS crew frantically performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) that lasted for 9-minutes. Players from both teams looked on with horror while others grouped in solemn prayer. Thanks to the quick response by the medical staff who administered CPR they were able to restore the blood flow to his brain and stabilize his condition prior to transporting him to the hospital. If it wasn’t for their prompt response, Damar Hamlin would not have survived this unfortunate accident.
The lifesaving lesson learned when it comes to contact sports is that schools must be prepared for any contingency.
Shenandoah Valley says they are fortunate to have their athletic trainer Mr. Josh Kneal present at all practices and home games. A graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Kinesiology, he has had training with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should a player suffer cardiac arrest.
Schools take pride in providing their students with the memorable experience of participating in sports, but with it comes the obligation that they provide prompt medical attention should a player suffer an injury. Shenandoah Valley commends their trainer Josh Kneal for his dedication and the commendable job he performs for our students. They also conveyed their heartfelt thanks to Mr. Richard Moyer from the Greg Moyer AED Fund who collaborated with St Luke’s Hospital by providing their school with two AEDs and 10,000 nationwide. Through their efforts they were instrumental in having laws passed in 15 states that require AEDs in all schools.
Shown in photo L-R: Superintendent Brian Waite, SV Trainer Josh Kneal, HS Principal John Brennan, & Secondary Vice Principal & Co-Athletic Director Chris Conroy.