AED Programs in Schools

What is an AED?

Every minute counts. When a heart stops beating (cardiac arrest) or quivers ineffectively (ventricular

fibrillation), there is no way to correct the arrhythmia except by using CPR and by defibrillation.

The chance of revival diminishes by 10% for every minute after a heart stops pumping blood. AEDs must

be accessible where risk is substantial: large events, public populated places, sports activites, locker
rooms, etc.

Sudden Cardiac Death IS reversible if treated promptly. Not only athletes, but spectators and coaches

have been saved by the prompt use of AEDs.

An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a device that is used to monitor and analyze the heart

rhythm, and to deliver an electric shock to restore normal rhythm if necessary.

The AED is about the size of a very small knapsack, is portable, and has LCD read-out and voice prompts

for the user to follow the command.

An AED is easy to use by first responders and bystanders alike. Many schools have obtained AEDs and

     have trained the students and teachers in CPR / AED.
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PARENT HEART WATCH: A National network of local and statewide efforts in developing AED Programs in schools and
improving cardiac screening for youth. Parents of children who have died due to early cardiac failure are educating themselves and their
communities, raising funds, and enlisting the support of legislators and medical providers, to enact new measures for sports safety.
http://www.parentheartwatch.org/

KEY ELEMENTS OF A SCHOOL-BASED PAD PROGRAM excerpted from
Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) in Schools (2000)
NYS Education Department

The following elements have been identified as essential in the planning and support of your district’s
public
access defibrillation (PAD) program:
- A core emergency response team of trained personnel, including the school nurse, and a method to
activate this team
- A well-defined emergency plan that clearly states all policies and procedures relative to the use of an
automatic electronic defibrillator (AED)
- Strategic placement and availability of the AED unit(s)
- A rapid and effective communication system, especially with regard to events held at remote locations
- Initial training, periodic refresher sessions, and systematic retraining of appropriate staff in CPR,
including the use of AEDs
- Regular maintenance of the AED unit(s) according to the manufacturer's specifications
- Periodic testing and repair/replacement of non-functioning units
- Reporting the use of an AED to the collaborating emergency health care provider, who in turn is required
to report to the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council
- Physician oversight.

Early Defibrillation and cardiac safety in schools:
National Center for Early Defibrillation
Am Red Cross news clipping:
http://www.redcross.org/press/archives/102700.html