June 20, 2023 – Henry Schein Medical, Defibtech, and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society Foundation Inc., are coming together to donate and distribute automated external defibrillators. Recognizing the importance of having AEDs readily available for student athletes, the PFATS Foundation launched an application process where local high schools, middle schools, and youth sports programs can be nominated to receive the devices. The PFATS Foundation will then select recipients based on the credentials outlined in the submission form.
Henry Schein Medical’s Athletics and Schools business will donate AEDs manufactured by Defibtech through its global corporate citizenship program, Henry Schein Cares, exemplifying the Company’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
Through the years, Henry Schein’s Medical Athletics and Schools business has championed the importance of athletic trainers and equipping these health care professionals with the supplies, equipment, and resources necessary to treat athletes. For example, the Company has partnered with the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society since 2011, sponsoring the PFATS Tim Davey Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year award, which recognizes the commitment, dedication, and integrity of one athletic trainer from each of the two conferences in the professional football league.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. Early delivery of shock with a defibrillator— cardiopulmonary resuscitation plus defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse — can produce survival rates up to 49–75% as stated by the Journal of Athletic Training.