Leaders at Concordia Lutheran High School are making a major commitment to student and staff safety. The school will soon receive the designation of a Project ADAM Heart Safe School, making it the first in Allen County to achieve this status.
A Life-Saving Initiative Gains Traction
Project ADAM was established in honor of a Wisconsin high school athlete who suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a basketball game and did not survive. The initiative aims to equip schools and communities with the necessary training and equipment to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.
To earn the Heart Safe designation, schools must successfully implement a comprehensive program that raises awareness about sudden cardiac arrest, prepares staff and students to respond, and ensures that proper emergency procedures are in place. Concordia Lutheran is taking the lead in Allen County by embracing these protocols.
Firsthand Experience Drives Change
For Concordia Lutheran, this effort is more than a precaution—it’s personal. In August 2023, freshman Madison Ringwald collapsed during a PE class due to a cardiac event. Quick action, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), saved her life.
Now, Ringwald is using her experience to advocate for increased CPR and AED training in schools. “I know firsthand how crucial it is to be prepared,” she said. “Without immediate action, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Students Take the Lead in Preparedness
The school’s efforts go beyond administrative decisions. Members of Concordia Lutheran’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club are actively involved in strengthening emergency preparedness.
- The student-led organization has staged emergency response scenarios to help train faculty and staff.
- Members will serve as student bystanders during upcoming emergency drills.
- The school-wide drills, scheduled for March 10, will test Concordia’s Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in real-time.
These hands-on exercises aim to ensure that everyone on campus—students, teachers, and visitors—understands how to react quickly and effectively in a crisis.
Setting the Standard for Allen County Schools
By securing this designation, Concordia Lutheran High School is setting a precedent for other schools in the county. Project ADAM’s mission is to expand access to life-saving resources in schools nationwide, and Concordia’s proactive approach may encourage others in the area to follow suit.
While sudden cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death among student-athletes and young people, survival rates improve dramatically when CPR is performed and AEDs are available. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival in such cases.
Concordia Lutheran’s recognition as a Heart Safe School signifies a broader cultural shift toward preparedness and awareness. It’s a step that could make all the difference when seconds matter most.
