Protecting young athletes: Englewood Hospital donates AED to Englewood Athletic Association

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital recently donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Englewood Area Athletic Association, home of the Englewood Cats. The hospital provided hands-only CPR and non-certified emergency response training to coaches, parents and board members.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes, despite being more commonly associated with older adults. More than 15% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in a public location.  Only 40% of bystanders perform CPR when cardiac arrest occurs outside a hospital, according to national data. Community education, quick access to an AED and immediate CPR can significantly increase the chance of survival.

“While cardiac arrest is typically associated with older adults, it remains the number one cause of death in young athletes,” said Dr. Matthew Martin del Campo, emergency department medical director at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. “Preparedness, accessibility and quick action are critical. Having an AED onsite at games and practices ensures the safety and well-being of our fans and the young athletes giving it their all on the field.”

An AED is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This condition is often caused by a disruption in the heart’s electrical system, such as ventricular fibrillation, which prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively.

Several conditions can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death in young people, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, congenital heart defects, and even a forceful blow to the chest. Warning signs may include fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain or a family history of sudden cardiac death.

According to the American Heart Association, nine in ten cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute live. Immediate CPR and use of an AED can double, or even triple, survival rates.

The hospital’s donation included training from a certified instructor on how to use the AED, perform hands-only CPR and respond to choking emergencies. Hands-only CPR involves just two steps: call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Nicole Matthews, president of the Englewood Area Athletic Association, said the donation and training are a major step forward in protecting young athletes.

“This shows our community that Englewood Hospital cares about our area youth,” Matthews said. “Learning what to do and having so many of our organization trained to ensure we can keep our kiddos safe — whether it’s cardiac arrest or choking — reassures me as the president that we are now equipped to do what needs to be done.”

Kelly Lindsay, CEO of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, said the initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the health and well-being in the community.

“This AED is more than just a device — it’s a commitment to protecting our children and families,” Lindsay said. “Every bystander can make a difference. By ensuring AEDs are readily available and our community is educated and prepared, we’re creating a safer environment for everyone, especially when our kids are out there doing what they love.”

To learn more about heart health or to find a cardiologist near you, visit HCA Florida Healthcare.