The Via Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives in schools, communities, and organizations nationwide. By raising funds, managing, and implementing complete long-term automated external defibrillator (AED) programs in our communities, The Via Foundation will increase the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Currently, the national average survival rate from SCA is 5-7%. SCA kills more Americans each year than breast cancer, lung cancer,prostate cancer, and AIDS combined.
Once in cardiac arrest, the only treatment is a shock to the heart. While bystanders wait for emergency medical services (EMS) to arrive, they can begin to assist the victim by taking control with CPR and an AED.
An AED is a small, portable, easy-to-use device that is FDA-approved for use by the lay rescuer. An AED talks the rescuer through a few simple steps, then analyzes the patient and determines if a shock is needed. Only if it’s deemed necessary will the AED prompt the rescuer to press a button emitting a shock. (*Note not all AED units require a button be pushed. Some units emit a shock automatically, if deemed necessary.) There is no way to override an AED and no way to hurt someone with an AED.
What The Via Foundation Does to Help
The Via Foundation will help school districts and communities:
- raise funds to purchase AEDs;
- provide medical authorizations;
- teach American Heart Association CPR/AED training sessions every two years;
- coordinate the monthly email maintenance reminders, and
- send out replacement supplies when needed.
The Via Foundation handles all elements of a comprehensive AED Program for as long as the site subscribes to our program. If your school, school district, organization, or community is interested in becoming a Via Partner, please contact The Via Foundation.
The Via Foundation Mission
The Via Foundation helps save lives by raising funds for, and placing, automated external defibrillators in schools and communities. Our CPR training and program management solutions give communities the skills and equipment necessary to help prevent unnecessary deaths from sudden cardiac arrest.
