AED CHALLENGE RETURNS TO SCHSL

For the second year in a row, the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) and a corporate partner are working to strengthen emergency response efforts in school athletics with the AED Challenge. Absolute Total Care is sponsoring the AED Challenge this year and as was the case last year, five SCHSL member-schools will receive AEDs to improve life-saving coverage at their athletic facilities.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in athletes under 35, often related to undiagnosed heart conditions. Recent research suggests sudden cardiac arrest affects approximately one in 50,000 athletes each year, with the highest risk among young males and Black male athletes. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED.

“We know minutes matter in cardiac arrest and AEDs can help save lives,” said John McClellan, President and CEO, Absolute Total Care. “This partnership represents Absolute Total Care’s commitment to supporting student-athletes and promoting health and safety in South Carolina communities.”

The Absolute Total Care AED Challenge encourages schools to apply for these complimentary units by filling out the form SCHSL AED Challenge Sign up.

Last year, the winning schools were Whale Branch High School, North Middle High School, Brashier Middle College Charter High School, Stratford High School and Eau Claire High School.

“The response to last year’s challenge from our membership was outstanding and we absolutely wanted to repeat it” said Dr. Jerome Singleton, SCHSL Commissioner. “We are grateful to have our corporate partner, Absolute Total Care, team up with us this year to hold the challenge. We once again encourage all schools to sign up to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity.”

Survival rates increase 70-90% when AEDs are used within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, the survival rate drops to less than 10% if defibrillation is delayed beyond 10 minutes.

Winning schools will once again be recognized during the SCHSL Basketball State Championships in March and Absolute Total Care will deliver the AED unit to each school while also offering AED Training from a certified instructor at the school.