WHEREAS, sudden cardiac death of the young (SCDY) claims the lives of more than 300 Michigan children and young adults between the ages of 1 and 39 years annually; and,
WHEREAS, a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is often the first symptom in an individual with a heart condition that could have been detected and monitored with prior evaluation of personal and family heart conditions; and,
WHEREAS, awareness of personal and family heart health history and up-to-date knowledge on safe cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) techniques and practices can help people be prepared for a sudden cardiac emergency; and,
WHEREAS, the chance of survival for a young person suffering SCA is increased through timely implementation of the American Heart Association’s ‘Chain of Survival’ including: early recognition of a cardiac arrest, immediate calling to 9-1-1, rapid bystander response with hands-only CPR, use of an AED, advanced life support, and post cardiac arrest care; and,
WHEREAS, written cardiac emergency response plans are now required by Michigan schools to protect their students, staff and visitors in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest; and,
WHEREAS, the MI HEARTSafe Schools designation requires schools to create a written cardiac arrest emergency plan, form a team of CPR/AED trained staff members and coaches, maintain and inspect AEDs on school premises, obtain a pre-participation sports screening for student athletes that includes medical and family history, and perform at least one cardiac emergency response drill each enrollment year; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young (MAP-SCDY) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services work together to promote awareness of sudden cardiac death of the young and help communities be prepared for a sudden cardiac emergency;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 5-9, 2018 as Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young Awareness Week in Michigan.