Could be life or death

Dear Editor:

I am writing to ask the community if they will take a moment to contact Charleston in support of House Bill 4442, a bill very near my heart.
The purpose of HB 4442 is to require AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in all public schools. The bill has been presented by Delegate Cowles and is under consideration by the Education Committee chaired by Delegate Mary Poling (D-Barbour County).

AEDs save lives. Just a single second of time can make the difference between life, death, even quality of survival. Placing AEDs in all public schools will not only benefit our children but also the countless members of the community who attend gatherings at school facilities.

My family has quite a personal interest in seeing that this bill becomes law. Not long ago, I was deeply afraid to send my three young children to school. Earlier, their father was diagnosed with an unusual heart condition called Brugada Syndrome. This illness causes an unusual heart arrhythmia which is not only fatal, but is genetic.

Not long before the 2010 school year began, our genetic doctor from WVU instructed us that in order for our children to be safe, it was imperative that they have access to an AED at school facilities. At that time, Warm Springs Intermediate did not have one.

Due to the generous heart of the Seeley Foundation and awesome support from local School Superintendent Dave Banks, we were able to provide one AED in each school in the county.

More AEDs are essential to save lives and their timely accessibility to a cardiac incident is imperative for a victim’s recovery. Their availability provides immediate assistance, not only for children with medical needs but also for the community at large. Last week, the heart of a 12-year-old boy in upstate New York stopped when he was hit in the chest with a lacrosse ball. He was only administered CPR since an AED was not available to restart his heart.

Please help make HB4442 a law. Email, write or call Delegate Poling (place “HB4442” in the email subject line). Encourage your friends to write as well.

Her contact information is: Delegate Mary M. Poling, Room 434M, Building 1, State Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305. Phone: 304-340-3265. Email: mary.poling@wvhouse.gov.

HB4442 can save lives and protect our children. It could be your heart that needs it!

Angie Hott
Berkeley Springs