On Thursday February 5th, freshman Caleb Lambert of Boy Scout Troop 148 presented a hand-built treatment table, an AED with a waterproof case, and an inflatable splint case as part of his Eagle Scout Project. The treatment table and inflatable splint case were both donated to athletic trainer, Tom Pannill. An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable device that monitors a person’s heart rate and sends electrical impulses to treat sudden cardiac arrest. Because sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in people over forty, this addition is crucial to accommodate the growing amount of people that visit RMA each day. In order to maintain AED’s, batteries and pads must be replaced over time. Because these replacements are costly, Caleb donated a check for $2,923.76 along with the equipment to ensure that all of the school’s life-saving devices remain up to code.

To raise money, Caleb accepted donations and sold Shell car wash coupons. His campaign was successful and raised approximately $5,000. After purchasing the equipment, Caleb was left with $2,923.76. He decided to donate this money to the school to purchase replacement AED batteries and pads. Although these items are expensive, this amount of money should last for many years to come.

To educate teachers, parents, and students, Caleb held an educational seminar on November 1st that taught how to properly use an AED and how to give CPR. At this training session, the Red Cross provided manikins and individual instruction to 35 participants. Now that more people know how to properly use these life-saving techniques, it is more likely that someone will step in immediately to help before medical attention is available. Although this small amount of time seems unimportant, it is usually what makes the difference between life and death in many cases of cardiac arrest.

Interview with Caleb Lambert:

1. What Scout Troop are you in and how long have you been an active member?

– I am in Boy Scout Troop 148 along with Thomas Griffin. I have been active for about 4-5 years.

2. What gave you the idea for creating this project?

– I met with Dr. K and he gave me a list of options and I figured that purchasing an AED would be the most beneficial to our school. I can’t think of anything better than saving a life.

3. Were there any challenges that you encountered while completing this project? If so, what were they?

– My only challenge was getting people to want to come to the training. We ended up having 35 people come, which surprised me. I was very thankful for the ones who decided to support my project and come out.

4. When, if not already, will you take part in the Eagle Scout Ceremony and receive your badge?

– I am hoping I will go to the Eagle Board sometime late this spring.

5. What are the long-term effects will your project have on the school and the RMA community?

– The long term effects are that I raised more than enough money needed so I donated the extra money to the school for when they need to purchase new batteries for the AED. The splint kit and treatment table were both very helpful for Mr. Pannill.