Defibrillators in Schools

Shai was 16-years old. Xenia was just 11. They are two of the seven thousand children who die of cardiac arrest every year. Sometimes the attacks happen at school.

“Every minute that care is not provided to a victim, the victim’s chances of surviving decrease by ten percent. So, within ten minutes, there is almost no chance that a victim can survive sudden cardiac emergency,” says Sean Penn, of the American Red Cross.

Emergency officials hope to increase those odds by making automated external defibrillators-devices that help jumpstart the heart in a cardiac emergency- available in public places: airports, ball fields and now even schools.

“I think it’s a good idea to have them in schools,” says 17-year old Taylor. He is certified in first aid, C-P-R and A-E-D’s. He says most kids would welcome defibrillator training.

“I think the students would get a feel of responsibility and a feel of confidence knowing that in a case of an emergency, ‘I know what to do.'”

Experts say with both C-P-R and defibrillator training for kids and adults, some, among those seven thousand young lives lost each year, might be saved.

“[These life-saving skills] empowers teens. It empowers parents. The more people that are trained, the greater the chances that we can assist somebody that’s the victim of sudden cardiac arrest,” says Penn. “It certainly can help save a life.”

A small group of professors at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., regularly bring gym bags full of shorts, shoes and headbands to class. That’s because they take part in what they call “noonball” on the courts of Memorial Auditorium. Roger Spilde, a retired economics and business professor, has been a devoted member of the “noonball clan,” which also includes a banker and an insurance salesman.

A recent game of noonball turned serious, though, when Spilde suffered a heart attack while playing. Thanks to a defibrillator in the auditorium, he is expected to make a full recovery.

“The guys said I zonked out,” said Spilde. “They found no pulse, no breathing. Well, that’s a very critical time.”

The first eight to 10 minutes of cardiac arrest are the most vital. If a defibrillator shock can be administered during this time, there is a good chance that the victim will experience a successful recovery.

“The chances of me being here without it are very slim,” Spilde said.

There are many questions parents may wish to know about automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Experts have listed the following and provided answers to help you know more about AEDs.

Why do we need AEDs? Can’t we just call 911?
There is a very good chance emergency medical services (EMS) cannot respond fast enough to save someone in cardiac arrest, particularly in congested urban areas, high-rise buildings, in remote rural areas or large facilities. In fact, the national average response time is 10-12 minutes, so even the best EMS responders could have difficulty arriving in time. Besides traffic, consider the time needed to make it through building security or in a crowded shopping mall with multiple escalators and all the way to a victim, for example.

Without early defibrillation, only five out of 100 sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victims will survive. AEDs offer a practical way to save more lives because they are designed for use by nearly anyone. Widespread deployment of AEDs in public places gives SCA victims the best chance of survival.

Who Can Operate an AED?
Unlike manual defibrillators used in hospitals and by paramedics, AEDs are easy to operate. The new generation of AEDs analyzes the victim’s condition and, if warranted, delivers an electric shock to the heart to reverse SCA. Nearly anyone with proper training can use these devices.

Are AEDs easy to use?
Extremely. AEDs are designed for use by virtually anyone with minimal training.

What additional training is required?
In many cases, a simple course including CPR and AED training is all that is required. For example, the American Heart Association offers the HeartsaverT AED course, which can be completed in less than four hours. Training requirements vary from state to state.

What liability do we incur by deploying AEDs in our community?
The laws surrounding AED usage vary from state to state. All but one state in the U.S. have passed Good Samaritan laws with language about AEDs. Additionally, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, which was passed by Congress in 2000, provides AED users and acquirers with protection from liability.

What is the cost to purchase and maintain an AED?
An AED costs about the same as a well-equipped laptop computer.

How do we implement an AED program?
There are several factors to consider when implementing an AED program, such as the selection of an AED, lay-rescuer training, physician oversight, determining optimal placement and developing ongoing quality assurance programs.

Where would AEDs be located?
Some key areas you may find AEDs in your community would be:

• Community Centers
• Train or bus stations
• Airports
• Shopping malls
• Places of worship
• Parks, golf courses and recreational areas
• Office or government buildings
• Concert halls and theatres
• Sports stadiums and arenas

Automated External Defibrillators

National Safety Council
National Center for Early Defibrillation