Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett Signs Law To Educate About Sudden Cardiac Arrest
By Brad Segall
EAGLEVILLE, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett was at Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary Elementary School in Montgomery County Wednesday to sign legislation designed to save the lives of student athletes across the Commonwealth.
The bill, sponsored by State Representative Mike Vereb, sets new guidelines for protecting student athletes from sudden cardiac arrest. SCA happens when the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. It's the number one killer of student athletes nationwide.
Taking the lead on developing the bill were Darren and Phyllis Sudman of Montgomery County, who formed a non-profit after their infant son died of the heart condition.
"Simon's Fund works with schools and organizations to provide free heart screenings. To date, we've screened almost 4,000 hearts and helped at least 38 students discover potentially fatal heart conditions," Phyllis Sudman explained.
Pennsylvania becomes the first in the nation to have a law designed to educate the public and prevent SCA. It ensures that coaches, trainers, students and parents are educated about the symptoms before taking part in athletics.
