It is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month.
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing over 350,000 people each year, according to the American Heart Association. And it can happen to anyone, at any age.
Here is some guidance from
Johns Hopkins Medicine about what to do if you are with someone who goes into cardiac arrest.
“If a loved one experiences symptoms of cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately. Many states require an automated external defibrillator (AED) to be available in public spaces. If you have access to an AED, follow the directions on the device to administer support until medical help has arrived,” according to the medical center.
NJSBA Trustee Amy Vasquez unfortunately knows how important access to AEDs can be. Her husband, Peter Fiorentino Jr., died in 2011 after going into cardiac arrest in one of the state’s courthouses. In addition to Vazquez, he left behind their daughter. A defibrillator that might have saved his life was located too late.
Now, Vazquez and the NJSBA are advocating that access to defibrillators should be a priority in each courthouse.
Read more about that advocacy here. The NJSBA is proud to share that the New Jersey Law Center has AEDs on both floors, and several members of the staff are trained to help in healthcare emergencies. Information about Red Cross AED training can be found
here.