Training to save lives; student athletes honor boy who died of unexplained cardiac arrest
In 2010, seven-year-old Aidan tragically passed away from unexplained cardiac arrest. In his memory, his mother, Christy Marshall-Siva, established Aidan's Heart Foundation to educate and train young individuals in life-saving techniques. According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among young athletes. Recognizing this, student-athletes at Henderson High School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, have embraced the foundation's mission by participating in CPR training sessions.
Senior Adam Pontzer expressed, "I don’t want to have to save someone... but if I need to, it’s an amazing feeling knowing I could do this... I could make an impact and save a person’s life." Fellow senior Anthony Fiore highlighted the importance of immediate action, noting that initiating hands-only CPR can increase survival rates to 90%. Athletic Director Steve Fitch praised the peer-led training approach, stating, "We have classmates that are helping teach other classmates. It's a win-win situation for all."
The foundation's impact is evident. Christy shared a recent instance where a seventh-grader she had certified in CPR used the training to save her father's life. This underscores the vital importance of equipping young individuals with the skills to respond effectively in emergencies.
For a detailed account, refer to the original article on FOX 29 Philadelphia.
