Heart in the Game: The Grace Firestone Act for SCA Awareness
This blog post provides information about the breakout session titled Heart in the Game: Advocate for Symptoms of Student SCA, EKGs and Hands Only CPR/AED scheduled to be presented on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at NASN2016.
June 6, 2011
Two days after high school graduation, my daughter Grace suffered Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Three minutes after 911 was called, EMS were at the door. Grace was paddled 9 times. On the way to the hospital, she stopped breathing.
Ten days later she came home with an implanted defibrillator. Had Grace had a simple EKG our family might very well never had gone through this twilight zone experience. Twilight zone? Yes. How could this happen to a healthy young woman? Grace was the only athlete EVER – boy or girl - to graduate from her school with 15 varsity letters. There was no heart history on either side of the family. As with most children and athletes particularly, she thought she was invulnerable. Mom and Dad certainly did. I found out this can happen to anyone, athlete or not.
First Step: The Grace Firestone Act for SCA Awareness (Delaware)
I did some research nationally. My first step was to research statewide mandates. I brought together state legislators and other stakeholders in children’s health: State Nurse Association, Department of Health & Social Services, State Teacher Association, and Delaware Athletic Association. Together, we created The Grace Firestone Act. It passed unanimously and was signed into law Aug 2014, only 1 of 9 in the nation. The law is budget neutral. It is a win-win for all. It speaks to SCA awareness, mandates on the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and many questions for the family and the child on heart health.
For Nurses from Every State
In my presentation, we will go over the law. The call for action is for all nurses to take this back to their states. I will help you in presenting it to your legislative body. My legislator friends have committed to help you as well.
NEXT UP – Second Step – HEART IN THE GAME
Why I founded HEART IN THE GAME. Why and how we offer FREE EKG screening to all Delaware students. During our events, we also train in CPR/AED, among other health-related initiatives.
