Saving Active Hearts

Dana Colasante and Alice Schoen started Saving Active Hearts after Dana’s husband and Alice’s son both survived a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during youth athletic events because of the quick action of bystanders. Both have become passionate advocates for promoting the importance of having an automated external defibrillator (AED) accessible and bystanders trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at youth athletic programs. They spread awareness by doing presentations on the risks of SCA in children and the importance of cardiac emergency response plans in schools, communities, and youth sport leagues. With the help of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association, the two teamed up with the national organization, Project ADAM, to expand their reach. Project ADAM is a network of top pediatric hospitals across the country that provides schools and communities with the knowledge and skills to quickly identify SCA and administer rapid on-site intervention to prevent death. Alice and Dana also work with local and state officials to develop and change legislation to protect children from sudden cardiac death. SCA is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an abnormality in its electrical system. SCA can strike without warning, leading to death in minutes if the person does not receive immediate treatment. Even the fastest EMS may not be able to reach a victim this quickly. That is why prompt action by bystanders is so critical, and why it is so important to have AEDs onsite and more laypersons trained in CPR. SCA is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of death in student athletes. It afflicts more than people, including approximately children, each year outside of a hospital setting. 90% of SCA lead to death. If performed immediately, CPR and use of an AED can triple the chance of survival.