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AED.US Donates to Kentucky Mother for Son with Long QT Syndrome, Autism

As part of our ongoing weekly AED Donation Giveaway, AED.us was thrilled to be there at a time of need for a distraught mother in Kentucky.

The day that her son was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, we contacted the recipient to let her know that she had been chosen to receive a Philips Heartstart FRx AED. As I spoke with the mother over the phone, she let me know that in addition to her son struggling with health issues, he also has autism. It became a very touching moment where we were both crying as she expressed her gratitude and surprise.

Recently, the family had noticed that whenever their son became excited he would start sweating. Doctors let them know that this was a serious sign that “his heart is unable to keep up”.

According to Wikipedia, “Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a condition which affects repolarization of the heart after a heartbeat.” This can cause an irregular heartbeat which can result in fainting spells, heart palpitations, and sudden cardiac arrest. Episodes can be triggered by exercise or even mental stress. And Long QT Syndrome can be a genetic abnormality that people are born with, or it can develop it later in life.

LQTS can be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (EKG) and other diagnostic tests, so it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your doctor if you or a loved one ever experience symptoms. Unfortunately, many people never notice any symptoms until it is too late. The use on an AED and CPR are the best way to raise the chances of survival for anyone that goes into cardiac arrest.

If you, or a place in your community, needs an AED, please visit our site to enter for a chance to win our weekly AED giveaway. If you have any questions about this or AEDs in general, please call us at 1-800-695-1209.


Blog By Blaire Czarniecki

Written by Blaire Czarniecki
Customer Service Director

Fact checked by Phillip Woods, BA, NREMT-P, FP-C

Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.

“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”

Last updated April 10, 2019