Backus Hospital will provide defibrillators for Larry Pontbriant Athletic Safety Fund
American Ambulance demonstrates an automated external defibrillator (AED) |
NORWICH – The William W. Backus Hospital Thursday announced it will match up to 10 portable defibrillators purchased through the Larry Pontbriant Athletic Safety Fund, which Lawrence and Evelyn Pontbriant initiated following the death of their 15-year-old son, Larry, after a “Fun Run” at Mohegan Park in Norwich.
Donations to the fund will be used to purchase and strategically place the automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which typically cost about $2,000 each, in eastern Connecticut locations where athletes congregate.
“We have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of community support so far, and thank Backus for joining this important cause,” said Larry’s father. “This is a rare opportunity to have the community work together for a common goal, which would be to improve the safety of our young athletes.”
Backus — along with American Ambulance of Norwich, the Norwich Recreation Department, the Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area, Inc., schools and other community partners — are working to create an alliance to ensure not only that AEDs are purchased and distributed, but also that training and awareness activities are available to those who want it.
“As a community hospital with a mission of improving the health of the community, this is the right thing to do,” said David Whitehead, Vice President of Planning at Backus, who is spearheading the hospital’s involvement in the fund and the awareness campaign.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, 100,000 young athletes die each year from all cardiovascular disorders, as a result of participation in sports. This is twice as many as die in auto accidents.
James Healy, MD, a cardiologist on the Backus Medical Staff, said AEDs are a very effective tool for resuscitation.
"If you have to wait for someone else to arrive with a defibrillator, a lot of valuable time has been lost," said Dr. Healy, who personally donated the cost of a defibrillator to the fund in memory of Larry. "The sooner treatment can begin, the more likely the resuscitation will be successful."