Lawmakers, staff learn lifesaving skills at state Capitol
Published 10:48 am Wednesday, March 25, 2015
The following is a release from the office of Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, who represents Kirkland from the 1st District:
The Nick of Time Foundation was at the Capitol on March 24, teaching lawmakers and staff how to safely perform CPR and watch for warning sign of sudden cardiac arrest.
McAuliffe’s Senate Bill 5083 would direct the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to develop a pamphlet for students, families and coaches about sudden cardiac arrest. WIIA would also be required to develop a program to help coaches identify warning signs of cardiac arrest and develop cardiac arrest prevention strategies.
McAuliffe became interested in heart health awareness after meeting Darla Varrenti, founder of the Nick of Time foundation. Dedicated to educating schools, athletes, families, and communities about sudden cardiac arrest and death in young people, Nick of Time is named after Darla’s son Nick, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest after high school football practice. In response to this tragic event, Darla founded Nick of Time to make sure others with hidden heart problems know about their condition and seek appropriate help.
“I am thrilled the Legislature is paying attention to this important issue,” said Varrenti. “We may have lost Nick to sudden cardiac arrest but we vow to make his death count and we are committed to keeping others with hidden cardiac problems alive. We cannot afford to lose any more bright kids to this preventable condition.”
On average, a seemingly healthy young person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest every three days somewhere in the United States, with sudden cardiac arrest the leading cause of death in young athletes. In most cases of sudden cardiac arrest, cardiac abnormalities are not detected, there are no warning signs, and unless a normal heart rhythm is restored within minutes, death results.
“I was heartbroken when I heard Darla’s story,” said McAuliffe. “No family should suffer the terrible loss and heartbreak of losing a child to sudden cardiac arrest.”
In unison with today’s event, the House Education Committee passed McAuliffe’s SB 5083, which now heads to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.
