Tommy was only 14 years old when his world suddenly changed during baseball practice at Thompson Valley High School. What seemed like an ordinary day took a devastating turn when Tommy collapsed unexpectedly, facing a life-or-death situation.

Tommy had suffered a sudden cardiac event—one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Every year, more than 356,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals, with nearly 90% proving fatal if immediate intervention isn’t available. Thankfully, Tommy’s quick-thinking coaches dialed 9-1-1 and began CPR as they waited for emergency responders. Their immediate actions gave Tommy the best chance of survival.

Sudden cardiac events like Tommy’s can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their age or physical condition. In these moments, knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death. Do you know what to do if a loved one or co-worker suffers a cardiac event?

Be Prepared to Save a Life
Knowing how to respond – calling for help, starting CPR, and using an AED – can mean the difference between life and death. The more people trained and ready to act, the safer our community becomes.

One of the key goals of McKee Wellness Foundation’s Next Frontier Campaign is to increase access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces. When a person suffers cardiac arrest, survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs are crucial in these situations, and every second counts.

That’s where the HEARTSafe Community initiative comes in. Now in its 10th year, the program is in a period of revival, led by the McKee Wellness Foundation in partnership with Thompson Valley EMS, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, and Berthoud Fire.

To ensure more people like Tommy have a fighting chance, the HEARTSafe Community program aims to place or replace 213 AEDs and train 3,000 individuals over the next three years to confidently intervene during medical emergencies, particularly in vulnerable populations and high-density areas. Future phases of the program are slated to include the incorporation of hemorrhage control kits and expanded First on the Scene (FOTS) training. 

How You Can Make a Difference

• Take a CPR/AED Class
  Learning CPR and how to use an AED is a simple but life-saving skill that anyone can learn. Be prepared for an emergency by signing up for a class here.

• Purchase an AED
  Join the HEARTSafe Community by equipping your business, church, or organization with an AED. It’s an investment that could save a life. Learn more here.

• Check for AEDs Where You Spend Time
  Is there an AED at your workplace, place of worship, or local gym? If not, advocate for one to be installed. Being informed could make all the difference.

• Donate to Support the Program
  It costs $1,740 to place an AED for public access and $337 to train a class of 12 community members of CPR/AED use. Make a gift today to increase the lifesaving impact in your community.
  

Thanks to the quick actions of his coaches, Tommy survived his sudden cardiac event. His story is a powerful reminder that anyone can be a lifesaver with the right training and tools. By taking action now, you too can protect your loved ones and community.

Watch Tommy’s full story here.