Matt Helps Outfit All Berlin/Gorham NH Schools with AEDs
For more information, contact:
Mrs. Edwina Keene
Androscoggin Valley Hospital
Berlin, NH Tel 603-752-2200
Teen Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Campaigns to Bring Defibrillators to NH Schools
Berlin, NH, January 17, 2007 –
Matt Keene was lucky
When the Berlin, NH resident and Kimball Union Academy junior suffered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during a routine football practice last October, the school staff used a defibrillator to save his life.
Upon recovering, Matt realized how lucky he was that KUA had a defibrillator available when he needed it. But he was also troubled to learn that, although most local schools had a single defibrillator, they did not have enough to cover any of the athletic events -- where SCA is most likely to occur.
Matt decided to change that. Over the next six weeks, the 17 year-old, together with his mother and Berlin High School Athletic Director Craig Melanson, raised $20,254 from local donors – enough to equip every school in the Berlin and Gorham school districts, including elementary schools, with brand new ZOLL Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
But Matt is not finished with his mission. His new goal is to promote legislation that will make AEDs available to all schools in the country, starting with New Hampshire. He’s already met with State Sen. Peter Burling to explore legislative possibilities, and is meeting with Gov. John Lynch on January 22 to request his support.
Matt’s cause has also received statewide and national attention, with several feature stories in print and broadcast media, including an article in USA Today late last fall.
As Matt’s story shows, heart attack victims aren’t always middle-aged or elderly people. Sudden cardiac arrest can also target young people, especially those involved in sports and other school activities, which is why local school administrators and coaches enthusiastically support Matt’s mission.
“To all New Hampshire schools that don’t have a defibrillator program in place, I have just one thing to say,” said Craig Melanson, athletic director at Berlin High School, “Get one! If it just saves one life then all of the work and money is worth it. Matt Keene is living proof that AEDs work.”
Many individuals, businesses and organizations have contributed to Matt’s cause, including the Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH) Auxiliary, the Berlin High School Backers, Guardian Angel Credit Union, the Kiwanis, Laconia Savings Bank, New Hampshire Community Technical College Student Center, Northway Bank, Orey Gadway, Rotary, the Woodlands Credit Union and Zoll.
Androscoggin Valley Hospital is also helping the cause by offering free training programs in CPR and AED for coaches, first responders and school staff members. Training sessions will take place in February and March.
“As Matt’s mother, I’m grateful to everyone who donated money to his cause, and to our local school administrators for support Matt and recognizing the importance of this program. I especially want to thank Craig Melanson for all his hard work in helping to make this happen,” said Edwina Keene.
- 30 -
