UCF Lake Nona Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, has presented Lake Nona Youth Sports with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a lifesaving device to assist those experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. The AED, valued at $1,500, was presented to the Lake Nona Youth Sports Board of Directors on Sept. 11.

“UCF Lake Nona Hospital is committed to making a positive impact on the health and safety of our community members of all ages,” said Wendy Brandon, chief executive officer. “By providing access to tools like this AED we are donating to Lake Nona Youth Sports, we can make sure young athletes in our community are safe and their coaches and parent volunteers are prepared to respond in the event of a cardiac emergency.”

Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition that occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning, usually caused by disturbances in the cardiac electrical system. According to the American Heart Association, more than 356,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital in the U.S., and sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. While sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes is rare, the association says AEDs and training in CPR are vital for reducing occurrences in communities and on sports fields.

Chaston Williams, director of tackle football and Pop Warner commissioner for Lake Nona Youth Sports, stressed the importance of the AED donation.

“UCF Lake Nona Hospital is an absolute lifesaver,” Williams said. “Thanks to the servant leadership of Chief Nursing Officer Megan Koorn and Chief Executive Officer Wendy Brandon, and their donation of a brand-new AED, Lake Nona Youth Sports is prepared to employ life-saving measures in the event of an unexpected medical emergency. Lake Nona Youth Sports’ Board of Directors and their more than 1,200 athletes and coaches are grateful for their generosity.”

# # #About UCF Lake Nona Hospital
Located in the heart of Orlando’s Medical City, UCF Lake Nona Hospital is a 64-bed, full-service medical and surgical acute care hospital serving Lake Nona and surrounding communities in Orange and Osceola counties. UCF Lake Nona Hospital offers 24/7 emergency care, boutique family birthing units, inpatient and outpatient surgery, including minimally invasive and robotic technology, oncology, diagnostic imaging, weight loss surgery, laboratory services and a cardiac catheterization lab. The hospital employs the latest innovative solutions and life-saving technology, including non-invasive focused ultrasound incisionless brain surgery for the treatment of debilitating tremors and Parkinson’s disease. UCF Lake Nona Hospital is a partnership between the University of Central Florida and HCA Healthcare.