Jordan Sansone

Jordan passed out while running in gym class at her school. When the Physical Education teacher saw Jordan lying unconscious, she did not believe anything serious had happened. When the teacher realized something was very wrong, she felt for a pulse, but could not detect one. Just as she was about to begin CPR, Jordan coughed and woke up. Her heart had started beating normally again.

Jordan was rushed to the emergency room and subsequently diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. She immediately started on medication (beta-blockers), and placed on activity restriction (no competitive sports or heavy exercise). Jordan continues to do well.

Because Long QT is inherited, Jordan’s diagnosis led to the discovery of other affected family members, including her father and aunt, who are now being treated. There was an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the school building, however, no one knew how to use it. Since Jordan’s event, there has been a dramatic change, including CPR/AED training for the staff, placement of two more AEDs in the school, and the development of an emergency response plan.