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Avalon and Lendrum Schools Learn How To Save A Life

Thu, 24 Apr, 2014

News: Avalon and Lendrum Schools Learn How To Save A Life

On Monday, April 14, 2014, Avalon and Lendrum Schools each received an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from the Project Brock Society.‌ 


But how did this great opportunity arise? It all started with a proactive parent group. Sarah Pearce, mother of an Avalon student, introduced the schools to the Project Brock Society, a non-profit endeavor that raises awareness and promotes education in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, following the death of 16-year-old Brock Ruether. In May 2012, Brock collapsed during a volleyball practice after experiencing ventricular fibrillation (VF), which is an AED shockable heart rhythm. Although an AED was available, it was not used. Brock’s mother, Kim Ruether, began this initiative to ensure schools and public facilities become equipped with AEDs and to promote AED education, registration and legislation.

After holding and participating in a Project Brock Society AED awareness and education presentation this past January, Avalon and Lendrum Schools were selected to receive the AEDs. Dale Loyer, father of a Lendrum student and manager of ZEE Medical, donated the AED for Lendrum and offered to install both AEDs. The two schools will also receive a cabinet, spare pads, signage and training to use the devices. Student and staff training will be provided by the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Student leadership groups at both schools recently started the PAY IT FORWARD for BROCK campaign to raise donations for the Project Brock Society so that more schools can receive AEDs.