After more than a year of preparation, Wantagh Middle School is proud to announce it has officially become a Project ADAM Heart Safe School—a recognition that confirms the school’s commitment to cardiac emergency preparedness and response. Behind this achievement is school nurse Mrs. Hildi Dzigas, whose vision helped bring this life-saving program to reality.

Mrs. Dzigas has been working in the nurse’s office at Wantagh Middle School for 16 years, bringing with her over 34 years of experience. She began her career as a medical/surgical nurse at Maimonides Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. “Wantagh Middle School is a special place,” she said. “I love the kids!” That love and commitment were clear as she led the charge to ensure the school was ready in the event of a sudden cardiac emergency.

Her journey began nearly 15 years ago, driven by the goal of forming a Cardiac Response Team in schools. The opportunity presented itself on Facebook when she learned about Project ADAM, a national organization dedicated to creating Heart Safe Schools. The post led her to connect with the New York State Project Coordinators, Dana Colasante and Alice Schoen, both of whom had personal reasons for joining the mission. Each had a family member suffer cardiac arrest at a school sporting event, one a son and the other a husband. In the spring of 2024, Ms. Dzigas introduced the idea to Superintendent John McNamara during a District Safety Committee meeting who gave her the green light to pursue the initiative.

Starting nearly from scratch, Mrs. Dzigas used Project ADAM templates and checklists to build a program tailored to Wantagh Middle School. A few requirements of the program included updating AED signage throughout the building; conducting a comprehensive walkthrough with Project ADAM coordinators to evaluate the building’s emergency readiness; and forming a Cardiac Emergency Response Team. The team of administrators and staff volunteered to undergo CPR and AED training, included Princiapal Anthony Ciuffo, Assistant Principal Ms. Quattrochi, Tracy Brady, Allison Prystupa, Emily O’Brien, Thomas Keegan, Melissa Beckler, and the building’s security staff.

“Participating in this training and going through the certification process really helped us better understand each team members role in dealing with potential medical emergencies,” says Mr. Ciuffo.  “I thank Hildi for taking the time to set this up.  We hope that it is never needed, but we are now confident that we are giving ourselves the best chance to save a life!”

The team conducted a simulated cardiac emergency drill with the "victim" placed in an undisclosed location to test timing and communication. Afterward, the team gathered for a debrief to analyze their response and identify ways to improve. Once the response plan was approved, steps were taken to integrate it into the official District Safety Plan.

What started as one school nurse’s vision has now become a vital layer of safety for the Wantagh Middle School community—and potentially, a life-saving one. To learn more about Project ADAM Heart Safe Schools program, visit www.ProjectAdam.com.

ABOUT PROJECT ADAM

Project ADAM was launched to get systems into place in communities across the country to offer the best chance of survival to people who suffer Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Through Project ADAM, schools, sporting programs, and community sites can become Heart Safe, with the equipment and training needed to be prepared and respond during those first critical minutes. Project ADAM has saved lives, and can do so in your community as well.