On May 29, Scott Driscoll presented a check for $16,500 to Mick Hoffman, executive director of safety, transportation and athletics at Vancouver Public Schools. The money, from the Quinn Driscoll Foundation, will purchase 10 portable automated external defibrillators. It’s the latest donation in an ongoing effort to save lives.
The new AEDs will be located on five school buses that transport students identified as high risk for cardiac conditions, and in five roving district security vehicles to be readily available at schools and at after-school activities. The district currently has one or more AEDs in every school, thanks in large part to donations from the Quinn Driscoll Foundation.
“We certainly don’t want a family to go through what we went through,” said Driscoll, president and director of the Quinn Driscoll Foundation.
Driscoll and his wife, Kelly, lost their 13-year-old son, Quinn, to sudden cardiac arrest in 2009. Quinn died suddenly while running track during a physical education class at his middle school.
“One of the things that’s very important to us is that schools have accessibility to automated external defibrillators, which are lifesaving devices,” said Driscoll.
Since it was established, the Quinn Driscoll Foundation has provided more than $50,000 for the purchase of AEDs. In addition to Vancouver and Evergreen school districts, they have provided AEDs for La Center, Battle Ground and White Salmon school districts and Rex Putnam High School in Portland.
On May 8, a Rex Putnam High School freshman collapsed on the baseball field from sudden cardiac arrest. Quick action by the athletic trainer and an AED purchased with money from the Quinn Driscoll Foundation saved the boy’s life.
The foundation also seeks to build awareness and provide education about hidden heart defects and diseases that cause sudden cardiac arrest. A partnership with the Peace Health Heart and Vascular Department offers an annual, free heart screening for children. Families also can receive screenings for their children by appointment.
“It’s really important to protect the greatest asset we have—our kids,” said Driscoll. “Having AEDs on school buses and in security vehicles provides another layer of defense in making sure these devices are available for all students.”
Photo (left to right): back row – Carole Pemberton, transportation; Ralph Stevens, Chris Smith and Scott Driscoll, Quinn Driscoll Foundation; front row: Michelle Blasko, transportation; Kelly Driscoll, Quinn Driscoll Foundation; Jesse Reyes, security; Mick Hoffman, safety, transportation and athletics; Marcia Schneider, school nurse; and Rich Biggs, Quinn Driscoll Foundation.