Every Second Counts

If you’re a football fan like I am, you’ve followed the January 2 on-field accident during the Bengals v. Bills game when Damar Hamlin suffered sudden cardiac arrest after a big hit in the game. I am so relieved to see Damar’s continued recovery, and that he was able to leave the hospital and even attended this weekend’s Bills v. Bengals rematch in the NFL playoffs.

But I hope we also learn a big lesson from the capable trainers on field whose swift and knowledgeable actions likely saved Damar’s life: the use of CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) can save a life. And you never know when you’ll need to put those skills and equipment to urgent use.

This leaves me wearing my Safety, Health and Environment hat at work today with three important takeaways for all of us:

1.?Learn First Aid & CPR. Be empowered in this type of situation to intervene while emergency help arrives. Many of our employees are trained in First Aid and CPR. You can find a nearby training through the American Heart Association. Training will give you the skills and confidence to help when every second counts.

2.?Ask about defibrillators in places you gather. These lifesaving devices can restart the heart when there is no pulse. We have AEDs at all of our BAE Systems, Inc. sites. Many gyms, sporting events and recreation facilities are purchasing them, too—and the New Orleans Saints donated dozens—both for athletes and participants as well as spectators cheering them on from the sidelines. You’ll see more and more AEDs at airports, malls and concert arenas, too.

3.?Call 911 instead of trying to make it to the hospital on your own. If you or someone you know is in distress, don’t try to get to the hospital by yourself. Call 911 and EMS will bring the hospital to your situation.

Anyone of us can take small actions that make a big difference when every second counts.

And as for my Giants, there’s always next year!?