Right Place, Right Time: Teen's Life Saved At His School Thanks To CPR And AED
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Children's Hospital Colorado is trying to spread awareness about the importance of CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator. They're doing that by sharing an amazing story.
The life of Kansas resident Cooper Adams, 18, was saved because school officials knew how to perform CPR and use an AED. Last year after wrestling practice, Cooper collapsed from a cardiac arrest. His coaches had trained recently in CPR and AED and knew exactly what to do. Cooper was taken to the local hospital, then transferred to Children's Hospital Colorado where he was diagnosed with a genetic disorder his family was previously unaware of.
"We believe that he was in the right place with the right people at the right time," Cooper's mom Kerri said. "His coaches saved his life with fast CPR and AED knowledge."
Not only did they save his life, but Cooper is now thriving. Thanks to the quick action of his coaches, Cooper didn't suffer neurological damage. Cooper just graduated from high school and plans to go to college for Information Technology.
About 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a child, a spouse, a parent or a friend.
To find out more about CPR and how to use an AED you can visit: HandsOnlyCPR or Heart.org.