Seymour Middle School gets grant from Hamden foundation for 2nd portable defibrillator

Thanks to a donation from the Hamden-based Michael Vincent Sage Dragonheart Foundation, Seymour Middle School acquired its second AED on Friday.

The device came courtesy of a grant offered by the Foundation which Schools’ Director of Security Richard Kearns applied for.

“We carry on in the hope that Michael’s story shines a light on the importance of bystander education, AED training and availability of AEDs so there are fewer sad endings for families whose loved ones suffer a (sudden cardiac arrest),” Rossi told school officials.

The Foundation raises awareness and support research into the early diagnosis and prevention of sudden cardiac arrest, including bystander awareness education, CPR training, and availability of AED’s in schools, athletic facilities and other public forums.

The middle school currently has an AED located in the school’s main lobby, but because Kearns said it’s located “a bit of distance to the lower level and the outside fields,” having a second one was important.

Kearns said the new AED will be placed in the school’s lower level to shorten the response time in getting the device to someone who may be suffering a cardiac arrest in that area of the building.

“Having suffered a heart attack, it is a comfort to me to know that our schools are equipped with defibrillators, and it is an even greater comfort knowing that there are many staff members who are trained to use these devices in the event of an emergency,” DiStasi said.

Associate Superintendent of Seymour Public Schools Nancy Snopkowski added “it is so comforting and reassuring to know that this AED will be available if the need arises for our students, staff and visitors at Seymour Middle School.