NCH Marco Urgent Care Donates AED to Senior Softball League

What better day than Valentine’s to take care of hearts? That’s just what happened on February 14th when NCH Marco Urgent Care donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Marco Senior Softball League.

According to the American Red Cross an “AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s an easy-to-use medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and if necessary, deliver an electric shock or defibrillation to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.”

Dianna Dohm, Chair of NCH Marco Island and Kaitlen Magdalener, Supervisor for the NCH Marco Urgent Care presented the Board Members of the Marco Senior Softball League the lifesaving gift on Valentine’s Day. Dohm remarked that “NCH is committed to the Marco Island community, and providing the Senior Softball League an AED for their second field could save a life. It is a comfort to know that we now have an AED for each field.”

Kaitlen Magdalener added that NCH has been a part of the Marco community for over 30 years and is committed to the health and well-being of its residents and visitors. NCH’s mission is “helping everyone live a longer, happier and healthier life, and Magdalener can’t think of a better way to live out this mission than making sure the community is SAFE while having FUN!”

The acquisition of the second AED for the Marco Senior Softball League was a “team effort.” According to Bill Novakovich, a senior softball player in the league, and a retired Fire Chief of Cortland, Ohio, it came to his attention that there was a need for an additional AED for the second softball field due to multiple games being played at the same time. 

Bill and his wife Betsy both have a background in the medical field (Betsy is a retired registered nurse). They know that early recognition, early CPR and early defibrillation greatly enhances the survival rate of a cardiac arrest patient.  Learning of this need, Betsy contacted administrators at NCH and the Marco Urgent Care and there was no hesitation when the need was identified.  According to both Bill and Betsy, this generous act will provide a safer environment for players and spectators.

Bill Shurina, the Commissioner for the Marco Softball League for the past 18 years, appreciates the efforts of the Novakovich’s in making NCH aware of the League’s need. Shurina added that the Senior Softball League has over 200 members, with an average age of 70 years, not to mention the numerous numbers of attendees at the games in that same age group.

According to Shurina, “safety has always been a focal point for the league and with this device,

along with CPR training provided by the Marco Island Fire Rescue, we are better prepared to provide medical assistance in the event it becomes necessary.”

Charlie Lamb, a senior softball player for the last 10 years, added “don’t let the phrase ‘senior softball league’ fool you. This so-called softball is both hard and dangerous. Though senior softball is not considered a contact sport, injuries happen. There are many ways for a player to have an urgent need for CPR and an AED, from players being struck by a high velocity batted ball hitting a vital area, to a player collapsing from natural causes.”

According to Lamb “players’ safety has always been a priority in our league and the acquisition of the second AED will further enhance our safety as well as our fans.”

They say softball is a game for all ages and in the Marco Senior Softball League, they have guys playing softball way into their 90s. They are not the “sit at home watching television all day” kind of guys. The games keep them feeling healthy and young!”

Each game ends with the spirit of sportsmanship when the two opposing teams shake hands and everybody is a winner. The presence of an AEDs on the field is definitely a game changer!