Upper Makefield Youth Baseball League

AEDs have been installed at Sol Feinstone (see map below) and Lookout Park Fields. Please scroll down and read the following sections that spell out important safety information from UMYBL.

Safety is UMYBL's Goal - And Should be Yours Too

Cardiac Chain of Survival

Safety Must-Knows

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Presentation - Important Information for UMYBL Players and Parents  

Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Assessment Form for Children - Download Please!

AED Locations at Sol Feinstone Fields Complex; All AEDS at Lookout Park are Located in Snack Shed (effective 6/18)

CPR Anytime Kits and Basic Training - Available to the UMYBL Family Through Dr. Janet Lioy 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): First aid

Useful Links

Upper Makefield Youth Baseball and Softball is committed to providing a safe environment for its players, coaches, and families. As such, AEDs can be found at each baseball complex, many coaches have been provided with training - and this site provides information that all associated with UMYBL should refer to frequently. It can mean a child's life. 

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Death: (Commotio Cordis), is caused by a blow to the chest directly over the heart in between beats, leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

The survival rate of an individual declines approximately 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation. 

Why Does This Matter For Youth Players?

While a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, or seizure can happen to anyone at any time, Commotio Cordis (a disruption of heart rhythm that occurs as a result of a blow to the area directly over the heart at a critical time during the cycle of a heart beat) is a special concern for young boys and girls who play sports where the ball reaches speeds over 45 mph. 

It is the second leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

Since 1998, more than 224 youngsters have died from this condition, according to the Commotio Cordis Registry. 

Know the Chain of Survival 

When a child has a sudden cardiac arrest there is a critical 3-5 minute window for that child to be saved.

Know the chain of survival:
- Early recognition of SCA which may include any of the following: collapsed and unresponsive, gasping, gurgling, seizure like activity
- Early access to 9-1-1
- Begin CPR immediately
- Retrieve and begin use of an AED immediately
- Early Advanced Care from first responders

What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator or AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient,^[1] and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layman, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, first responder and basic life support (BLS) level CPR classes.^[2]

How to use an AED?

AED-specific training is required.    

But several web sites sources cite the following:

"When turned on or opened, the AED will instruct the user to connect the electrodes (pads) to the patient. Once the pads are attached, everyone should avoid touching the patient so as to avoid false readings by the unit. The pads allow the AED to examine the electrical output from the heart and determine if the patient is in a shockable rhythm (either ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia). If the device determines that a shock is warranted, it will use the battery to charge its internal capacitor in preparation to deliver the shock. This system is not only safer (charging only when required), but also allows for a faster delivery of the electrical current.

When charged, the device instructs the user to ensure no one is touching the patient and then to press a button to deliver the shock; human intervention is usually required to deliver the shock to the patient in order to avoid the possibility of accidental injury to another person (which can result from a responder or bystander touching the patient at the time of the shock). After the shock is delivered most devices will analyze the patient and either instruct CPR to be given, or administer another shock."

To further clarify, the model used by UMYBL, the Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 AED has the following features:  

Dr. Janet Lioy has purchased and makes available, for use and return, 10 CPR Anytime Kits.

• CPR Anytime is a new, self-directed learning program that makes it easy to learn CPR techniques at home in less than 30 minutes.
• With an easy-to-follow practice demonstration DVD, families and small groups can quickly, and conveniently, learn the core skills of CPR—and learn to save lives.
• Kit includes an inflatable mannequin (with integrated adult/child compression clicker), 22-minute instructional DVD, Family and Friends booklet, wipes, spare mannequin lung and directions.
• It’s a way to reach out to the community and train more people than ever before.

To train yourself and your family using one of these CPR Anytime Kits, Dr. Lioy can be reached at newtownjan@aol.com

by the Mayo Clinic Staff

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Ideally, CPR involves two elements: chest compressions combined with mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing.

However, what you as a bystander should do in an emergency situation really depends on your knowledge and comfort level.

The bottom line is that it's far better to do something than to do nothing at all if you're fearful that your knowledge or abilities aren't 100 percent complete. Remember, the difference between your doing something and doing nothing could be someone's life.

Here's advice from the American Heart Association:

• Untrained. If you're not trained in CPR, then provide hands-only CPR. That means uninterrupted chest compressions of about 100 a minute until paramedics arrive (described in more detail below). You don't need to try rescue breathing.
• Trained, and ready to go. If you're well trained, and confident in your ability, then you can opt for one of two approaches: 1. Alternate between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths. 2. Just do chest compressions. (Details described below.)
• Trained, but rusty. If you've previously received CPR training, but you're not confident in your abilities, then just do chest compressions at a rate of about 100 a minute. (Details described below.)

The above advice applies only to adults needing CPR, not to children.

CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.

When the heart stops, the absence of oxygenated blood can cause irreparable brain damage in only a few minutes. A person may die within eight to 10 minutes.

To learn CPR properly, take an accredited first-aid training course, including CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Before you begin
Before starting CPR, check:

• Is the person conscious or unconscious?
• If the person appears unconscious, tap or shake his or her shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you OK?"
• If the person doesn't respond and two people are available, one should call 911 or the local emergency number and one should begin CPR. If you are alone and have immediate access to a telephone, call 911 before beginning CPR — unless you think the person has become unresponsive because of suffocation (such as from drowning). In this special case, begin CPR for one minute and then call 911.
• If an AED is immediately available, deliver one shock if instructed by the device, then begin CPR.

Remember the ABCs

Think ABC — airway, breathing and circulation — to remember the steps explained below. Move quickly through airway and breathing to begin chest compressions.

Airway: Clear the airway

1. Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.
2. Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders.
3. Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.
4. Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds. Look for chest motion, listen for normal breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you haven't been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceed directly to chest compressions.

Breathing: Breathe for the person
Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened.

1. With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.
2. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath — lasting one second — and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath.
3. Begin chest compressions to restore circulation.

Circulation: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions

1. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
2. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Push hard at a rate of 100 compressions a minute.
3. After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second rescue breath. That's one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions. If you're not trained in CPR and feel comfortable performing only chest compressions, skip rescue breathing and continue chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions a minute until medical personnel arrive.
4. If the person has not begun moving after five cycles (about two minutes) and an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available, apply it and follow the prompts. Administer one shock, then resume CPR — starting with chest compressions — for two more minutes before administering a second shock. If you're not trained to use an AED, a 911 operator may be able to guide you in its use. Use pediatric pads, if available, for children ages 1 to 8. Do not use an AED for babies younger than age 1. If an AED isn't available, go to step 5 below.
5. Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over.

To perform CPR on a child

The procedure for giving CPR to a child age 1 through 8 is essentially the same as that for an adult. The differences are as follows:

• If you're alone, perform five cycles of compressions and breaths on the child — this should take about two minutes — before calling 911 or your local emergency number or using an AED.
• Use only one hand to perform heart compressions.
• Breathe more gently.
• Use the same compression-breath rate as is used for adults: 30 compressions followed by two breaths. This is one cycle. Following the two breaths, immediately begin the next cycle of compressions and breaths.
• After five cycles (about two minutes) of CPR, if there is no response and an AED is available, apply it and follow the prompts. Use pediatric pads if available. If pediatric pads aren't available, use adult pads.

Continue until the child moves or help arrives.

Cardiac Science - UMYBL's AED Provider 

http://www.cardiacscience.com/cardiology-products/aed-defibrillator/powerheart-aed-g3-pro.php

You tube video:  "Gone in a Heartbeat"              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAk6tFWSasc
(video from Children's Hospital showing the parents who've lost
children to SCA and how important an AED would have been in saving their child's life)
 

Parent Heart Watch

www.parentheartwatch.org 

National Registry for AED use in Sports

https://www.aedsports.com/

Youth Heart Watch: 

youthheartwatch@email.chop.edu Can request Information on how local schools can partner with CHOP for free AED and SCA awareness programs.