CLEVELAND — Learning how to administer CPR and use an AED is relatively simple, and it can be the difference between life and death.
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, brother PJ and mother Nicole have a personal connection to the cause after losing their father and husband to a cardiac arrest in 2016.
Since then, they’ve stepped up to make a difference for others.
Nicole Ward is an active woman, much like her husband Paul was when he was alive.
“We invited the community to come out and have a great time,” she said. “In the name of health, wellness and fitness.”
Ward’s husband suffered his cardiac arrest during a spinning class, in a gym with an AED that could’ve saved his life if someone knew how to use it.
That’s why Ward is now dedicating her life to educating people on how to use AEDs and give CPR, through the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation.
“Being able to give back resources and training, it’s built confidence in people to learn how to do CPR and the AED,” Ward said. “It just means so much.”
Ward said this year has been especially busy for the foundation after Buffalo Bill safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a game in January.
“What saved Damar Hamlin, besides the grace of God, is that someone acted immediately, with the medical staff coming out, administering CPR, and applying the AED,” Ward said. “The difference with my husband when he passed away? No one administered CPR, and there was no one that used the AED that was just steps away, so he did not receive any help.”
University hospitals paramedic Jeremy DiBell was teaching folks CPR and AED basics on Saturday, and said having this knowledge can be what saves someone’s life in the future.
“That’s why doing these trainings,” DiBell said. “We kind of put people at ease and show them it’s not so bad. It’s not so scary. You don’t have to put your mouth on a stranger. Just do CPR, do something. Something’s better than nothing. You could have a good outcome.”
For Ward, these events can be a tough reminder of her loss, but she’s grateful for the community’s support and dedication to the cause.
“I can’t wait to just get out there and get moving a little bit and stay in shape and stay healthy because the best thing to do with the lead by example,” she said. “So, I just hope to be that example for other people.”
The American Heart Association and University Hospitals host three CPR and AED training courses every month.
You can find more information here.
