BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WSBT) — A new life-saving measure is now available for athletes at Benton Harbor High School.
A state representative and other officials were there to present a new automated external defibrillator (AED) to the school’s athletic department.
In fact, over 100 AEDs are being distributed across the state, and this campaign has ties to the NFL.
It’s been well over a year since Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field during a game.
Earlier this year, the NFL distributed 110 AEDs to Michigan, one for each constituency, when the league approached the draft.
At the beginning of the year, a law was passed requiring the provision of defibrillators in school sports facilities.
Benton Harbor was selected as the recipient for the 38th district.
Each Benton Harbor Area Schools building already has one, but district leaders say it’s an essential tool for the athletic department to have on hand at events.
These devices can cost anywhere from several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
District leaders say having one is invaluable in the event of an emergency on the field or pitch.
“We’ve seen so many cases recently where athletes have had incidents on the field that required immediate attention. And these devices are truly life-saving. They’re a matter of life and death. So having these devices readily available at all times can potentially save a student’s life,” said Kelvin Butts, superintendent of Benton Harbor schools.
Especially for young people, these devices can be vital in an emergency.
Because no matter how good your shape is, one wrong shot can have devastating consequences.
And sometimes the minutes it takes for the ambulance to arrive on the scene can be a matter of life and death.
“And if the worst case scenario happens – even if it’s a fan in the stands or something, they have the opportunity to respond. And to do it in the quickest possible time and prevent something really tragic from happening,” said St. Joseph State Rep. Joey Andrews (D).
County officials say the state’s donation of such a specimen is a testament to its partnership with local government.
And having one is priceless.
