Is there a defibrillator in your child’s school? Do you know its purpose? A defibrillator (AED) is an automated external defibrillator which can help victims of sudden cardiac arrest. I personally remember these being installed in my high school. Through physical education class, I took CPR and was also trained how to use these life-saving machines. What is great about AED’s is that they are automated- they prompt users how to use it.
Those who are uncomfortable with the thought of these automated machines in their child’s school claim an “average joe” may not be able to use them. What if someone misdiagnoses a person and uses the machine and kills them? What if a prankster gets a hold of it? Would it actually help when the paramedics will be there in a minute anyways?
The Red Cross of Illinois states that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States and it can happen to anyone, of any age, and without symptoms. The American Heart Association recommends a response time of three to five minutes and for every minute the heart goes without defibrillation, the chance of survival goes down 10%. Do you think the paramedics will have that quick of a response? Will they get there within ten minutes? After ten minutes of the heart stopping beating, chances of survival are rare.
There have been children who have died of sudden cardiac arrest in schools- without symptoms-without warning. Some areas are actually requiring a school defibrillator and in other places that people gather. More and more studies are coming out that defibrillators are needed in schools, such as the Emergency Medical Services for Children Research Center and Cardiac Science.
I know, that when my children reach school age, I will want to find out if there is a defibrillator located close by. And if one day it needs to be used on one of my family members? I trust the research, the machine and will kiss the “average joe” behind it.
but all thoughts are my own.
Can be considered a “superhero” in disguise. You can’t go wrong with AED and it is really a must especially in schools and other places frequently flocked by people.
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I learned to use a defibrillator in college. Though children should not have easy access to them, they are very simple to use and can save lives. The good it does is clear, its just a matter of keeping it out of reach of children. Though I think it would be a good idea to teach at least high school aged children how to use them.
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We had them in my old school system. I thought they were a good idea.
My best friend’s brother died because there was no defibrillator on his school bus…
All very good points.
As a healthcare professional and CPR instructor I wholeheartedly agree. How many kids die of undiagnosed heart problems on the practice field for football? How many kids die with undiagnosed congenital heart problems? How many ADULTS of prime heart attack age are in those schools? Let’s see there are teachers, custodians, office personnel even parents who are there for meetings or picking up their kids.
Those things tell tell you audibly when to do nothing and when to press the button. They even tell everyone to stand back and not to touch the patient before it activates. The only way to us it improperly is to NOT use it.
I sincerely believe that they belong in all public buildings, both students, parents, teachers and passersby may need the AED and without one around the consequences of any dire situation become grave. I think the AED is an amazing thing and I hope that children are well educated enough to know that the AED isn’t something to prank people with, after all they know not to stick their fingers in plug sockets don’t they?
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I think I share your viewpoint. If there’s even a slight chance that this machine could save any one of my family member’s lives, it’s well worth it. The machines I’ve seen have directions and basically “how-to” guides that show what cardiac arrest is, how to identify it, and so on. Almost idiot proof. I’d rather take a shot in the dark than having someone just standing there watching my spouse or child die, unable to do anything at all.
What a great article. It is something that I did not event think of – OMGosh! I want to know now if our schools have them. I think they are needed for sure. With our son’s allergies , it makes me so upset that they make his Epipen stay in the office!!! What if he is out at recess and needs it? What if he is in a hallway or bathroom located on the other side of the school? It scares me so much – because you are so right…that when there is an emergency – time is critical! What a valuable post my friend
Lynn