Youth Rowing Colleagues,

Last weekend a youth from a local high school football team collapsed. He was
unconscious and without cardiac rhythm. Fortunately EMS was there and had
defibrillation
equipment that saved the young mans life.

Should this be standard equipment along side the tool box, first aid, gas tank,
life
preservers and paddle? There are lots of issues that come up. Training,
liability, cost and
safety. There is no question whether a life justifies the cost.

A local University program has added the units to the list of equipment that is
carried on
the coaches launch. At a cost of $900 - $1700 for a basic unit, are there grants
that will
help with training and implimentation for such programs? I would like to hear if
any other
youth rowing programs are using these or have even considered the implementation
of
such devices?

Regards -

J Noel Kvale
Austin Rowing Club Juniors