IF YOU SUSPECT THAT A PERSON HAS SUFFERED FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST OR COMMOTIO CORDIS,

DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. Breathing stops. The person becomes unconscious. Emergency treatment for sudden cardiac arrest includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart with a device called an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest are immediate and severe and include:
  • Sudden collapse.
  • No pulse.
  • No breathing.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Commotio cordis is a condition in which an abnormal heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation) and cardiac arrest happen immediately upon an object (usually something small and hard like a baseball or hockey puck) striking the chest directly over the heart at a very critical time during a heartbeat.  Beginning in 2021, USA Lacrosse boys’ and girls’ youth rules mandated that all goalie chest protectors must meet the new NOCSAE standard. It’s also mandatory in the NFHS boys’ and girls’ high school rules, and the NCAA men’s and women’s rules. Beginning in 2022, USA Lacrosse boys’ field players, NFHS boys’ field players, and NCAA men’s field players must also wear chest protection that meets the NOCSAE ND200 standard.

Within Westfield, there are AEDs located at all municipal and board of education fields.  Should the AED be needed, the locations are listed below.

 

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AED at Kehler Stadium Field is on side of weight room in red box.
AED at Kehler Stadium Field is on side of weight room in red box.
Westfield High School AED is at far end of student parking lot closest to softball field -- red box.
Westfield High School AED is at far end of student parking lot closest to softball field -- red box.
Tamaques Elementary AED is located on back of building in red box. When looking at building from field, it is near the doors in the center of the building behind the swings.
Tamaques Elementary AED is located on back of building in red box. When looking at building from field, it is near the doors in the center of the building behind the swings.
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Location of Edison Intermediate School AED -- back of building in between varsity baseball field and grass field.
Location of Edison Intermediate School AED -- back of building in between varsity baseball field and grass field.