Lake Havasu High School Receives Lifesaving AED Donation from Havasu Regional Medical Center

Havasu Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is taking significant steps to address medical emergencies efficiently within the community.

Student athletes, often facing unexpected health risks, are now the focus of local initiatives to combat sudden cardiac arrest incidents. HRMC CEO Philip Fitzgerald acknowledged an uptick in such incidents among young athletes, speaking at an event on Monday.

Fitzgerald, alongside HRMC Director of Cardiovascular Services Lou Jones and other staff, attended a meeting at Lake Havasu High School (LHHS) to reassure the athletic department of their support.

“I want to thank you all for coaching. It’s sometimes a thankless job. I appreciate all that you do for the kids in the community,” Fitzgerald expressed to the gathered athletic staff in the LHHS gym.

During the meeting, HRMC presented a donation of $3,347 to the school, aimed at improving emergency preparedness. Prior to this, LHHS had only one automated external defibrillator (AED) for use across all sports facilities, according to assistant principal and athletic director Dustin Zampogna.

Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of AEDs in saving lives during cardiac emergencies, demonstrating HRMC’s commitment to the health and safety of student athletes. “The quickest way to ensure survival is to make sure to shock that heart and get it back into a normal rhythm,” he stated.

The donation will enable LHHS to purchase additional AEDs, ensuring that each facility hosting a sporting event will be equipped. “It’s absolutely our pleasure to be able to present you guys with this check that enables you to purchase two additional ones,” Fitzgerald said.

This timely donation comes just days before the start of the new school year on Thursday, reinforcing the community’s dedication to its young athletes.