February 5-9, 2018: Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young Awareness Week

February 5-9, 2018: Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young Awareness Week

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.