RCS Proactively Ensuring Safety for Student Athletes: Providing Portable AED Units Amid Emergencies

In Rochester, Minnesota, the Catholic School system (RCS) is taking proactive measures to safeguard its student athletes during emergencies. The school is working on providing their sports teams with portable AED units, which will be taken with them while traveling for games. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that helps individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, and RCS plans to add three such units to their inventory.

Lourdes High School activities director Eric Larson underscored the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations. He emphasized that although no one wishes for these circumstances to happen, it’s essential to have a plan in place and the necessary resources to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. The ultimate goal is to provide peace of mind for athletes, teams, and spectators.

Baseball coach Dave Jenson highlighted the significance of having AED devices not only for RCS players and fans but also for other schools. He stressed the potential for saving lives by having portable AED units readily available. RCS aims to support not only its own community but also others in times of need.

The RCS athletic fundraiser held on March 23 was an essential step towards reaching the school district’s goal of raising $10,000 for additional AED devices. Community support is crucial in achieving this objective, and RCS is grateful for the ongoing support they receive from their community members. As of March 29, the school has yet to determine if they have reached their target amount for purchasing the necessary AED units.