The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Provides Life-Saving AEDs for Area High Schools

The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital donates 30 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), distributed to 11 Calcasieu Parish high schools. The significant investment totals over $52,000 and considerably elevates the level of safety assured for young athletes at sporting events in SWLA.The high schools benefiting from the donation include: Barbe, Bell City, DeQuincy, Iowa, LaGrange, Sam Houston, Starks, Sulphur, Vinton, Washington-Marion, and Westlake.

During a sudden cardiac emergency, access to an AED within 2-3 minutes is essential to increasing survival rates. When early defibrillation is delayed, survival rates decrease to approximately 50% at 5 minutes, 30% at 7 minutes, and 10% survival at 11 minutes.

"LCMHS athletic trainers are present in every high school sporting event in Calcasieu Parish and are often called upon to assist in medical emergencies," explains Dr. Brian Harrell, Director of Sports Medicine. "Therefore, the goal to strategically place AEDs where everyone has access to them within 2 minutes, increases our ability to provide life-saving care at the sidelines."

The success and long-standing partnership between LCMHS Sports Medicine and CPSB, led by Jamey Rasberry, Director of Sports Medicine, carries a legacy of 50+ years of service to the community. This is the longest-standing, and highly respected, program of its kind in the state.

"Our partnership with Memorial affords our students and parents peace of mind, knowing that their safety is put first, above all else," says Dr. Shannon LaFargue, Superintendent of Calcasieu Parish School Board.

"We believe this endeavor aligns with the mission of LCMHS and maintains our standing as leading the charge in the provision of safety and injury prevention outreach in SWLA," says Devon Hyde, President & CEO of Lake Charles Memorial Health System.

The funding is made possible through the generosity of community donors. Led by Sol Halliburton, Executive Director, The Foundation's robust initiatives include programs such as the Heart Fund and injury prevention and education outreach programs.