Ryan Haselden’s Story: A Life Saved by Swift Action and an AED
On Ryan Haselden’s 14th birthday, she arrived at Fox Lea Farm in Venice, Florida, excited to compete in a jumper riding competition. It was supposed to be a normal day, but as she approached the fourth jump, Ryan suddenly blacked out, fell from her horse, and collapsed motionless on the ground.
In those crucial moments, EMT Katy McPhee and Dr. Karley Koch rushed to Ryan’s side. At first, they believed her fall was the cause, but upon checking, they realized she had no pulse. Without hesitation, they immediately began CPR while others quickly retrieved the on-site automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED delivered a shock, and, combined with high-quality CPR, Ryan regained a pulse.
At the hospital, Ryan was diagnosed with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) caused by a rare condition called catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)—a condition she had no prior symptoms of. Her collapse was the first and only warning.
The most important factors that led to my positive outcome were 100% that an AED was close by, that it was well maintained, and that the staff knew to grab it.
Ryan Haselden
SCA survivor
Ryan’s experience is a testament to the life-saving power of preparation, training, and the presence of AEDs. Her miraculous survival reminds us that sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere — and that having the right tools and training can make all the difference.
Images courtesy of Will Haselden
Now, Ryan Haselden and her family are passionate advocates for CPR and AED awareness, encouraging everyone to become CPR certified and ensure AEDs are accessible in all public spaces, particularly in places where people gather and compete. The Haselden family has turned their personal experience into a powerful movement, sponsoring CPR/AED training classes with over 100 participants and growing each week. They are in the process of setting up The Impulsion Foundation, which will serve as a platform for their advocacy work.
Their efforts have expanded to forming partnerships with national equestrian safety boards and city officials, working together to promote wider AED placement at equestrian facilities. Driven by their mission to make a lasting impact, the Haselden family continues to champion CPR/AED training, increase access to life-saving devices, and push for critical safety policy changes within the equestrian community.
