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A Suffolk County-based nonprofit continues to make it their mission to ensure local schools have accessible lifesaving tools.
The Louis Acompora Foundation donated a new ‘SAVE’ station to Howitt Middle School in the Farmingdale School District on Tuesday.
‘SAVE’ stands for Sudden Cardiac Arrest Virtual Equipment and these stations provide immediate, accessible life-saving emergency equipment and AED access for the school’s athletic fields.
The organization was founded in memory of 14-year-old Louis, who collapsed on March 25, 2000, after being hit in the chest by a ball during a high school lacrosse game in Northport and ultimately died.
26 years later, Louis’ parents remain committed to helping other athletes get the immediate care they need in the event of an emergency, such as cardiac arrest.
"Sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time and strike people who appear old and young alike, and people who appear perfectly healthy, like my son Louis, who died during his first lacrosse game,” said Karen Acompora, Louis’ mom.
A dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting was held at the school’s athletic complex, where the AED will be available 24/7.
You don't need to be trained to use the device, it walks you through the steps to save someone's life.