Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What is an AED?
- How many AEDs should a school have?
- What law requires AED in schools?
- Steps to Implementing an AED Program
- Where are AEDs located in Schools?
- From Implementation to Impact: The AED Journey in Schools
Introduction
Creating a safe learning environment is a top priority for any school, and part of this involves being prepared for emergencies. One important tool for handling emergencies is the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). AEDs are devices designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest, a condition that can strike suddenly and without warning. Implementing an AED program in schools can make a critical difference in saving lives during such emergencies.
Studies show that two in fifty high schools in the United States can expect a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) event each year. This underscores the importance of having an AED in schools. By having AEDs readily available in schools, staff and students are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively.
We will learn more about why AEDs are required in schools in the next sections. Let’s get started.
What is an AED
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable device used to help someone who is having sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops beating properly, which can stop blood from reaching important parts of the body. If not treated quickly, SCA can be deadly.
An AED works by giving the heart an electric shock to help it start beating normally again. The device is easy to use and gives clear voice instructions to guide the user through each step. It also has sensors that check the heart’s rhythm and decide if a shock is needed.
Because AEDs are simple to use and can help fast, they are very important in emergencies. By having AEDs in schools and making sure people are trained to use them, the chances of saving someone’s life during sudden cardiac arrest go up significantly.
How Many AEDs Should a School Have?
Determining how many AEDsare required in a school depends on several factors, including the size of the school, the layout of the campus, and the number of people present.
- Size of the School: Larger schools or those with multiple buildings may require more AEDs to ensure that devices are readily accessible in emergencies. A general guideline is to have at least one AED in school per building or major area, such as gyms, auditoriums, and main administrative offices.
- Campus Layout: Schools with extensive campuses or multiple floors should place AEDs in strategic locations to ensure they are easily accessible. Consider placing AEDs in high-traffic areas and near locations where physical activities, such as sports, occur.
- Number of People: Schools with larger student populations or a high number of staff members may need additional AEDs to cover the increased number of people. The goal is to have AEDs located close enough so that they can be reached within a few minutes during an emergency.
- Local Regulations and Guidelines: Check local regulations and guidelines, as some areas have specific requirements for the number of AEDs in schools. These guidelines can provide useful recommendations based on regional standards.
Read More: AED PAD Placement for Adults
What Law Requires AED in schools
While some states have laws that require AEDs in schools, others recommend having them. Regardless of the legal requirements, having AEDs in schools is a good idea because they can save lives in emergencies. Here are some states with specific laws about implementing code AED in school:
- New Jersey: Known as “Janet’s Law,” this law says that every public school must have an AED on the school grounds. The AED must be easy to find and not locked up. Additionally, a trained staff member must be available during practices and sports events.
- Kentucky: Since 2009, every public high school in Kentucky must have AEDs for sports events and practices. The law also requires that trainers are present who know CPR and how to use AEDs, ensuring that both equipment and training are available.
- Louisiana: Starting in January 2018, every high school and college involved in sports must have at least one AED. Students in grades 9 through 12 also need to learn how to use AEDs and perform CPR, which helps make them more prepared.
- Maryland: Public schools in Maryland need to have AEDs on site for school activities. The law requires that there is always someone qualified to use the AED, so help is available whenever needed.
- Massachusetts: As of July 1, 2018, every school in Massachusetts must have an AED available for all sports activities. There must also be a staff member trained in AED use and CPR present to help in emergencies.
- Georgia: Starting on July 1, 2025, Georgia will require every public K-12 school to have AEDs. Schools will need to include AEDs in their emergency plans, giving them time to prepare and include these devices in their safety measures.
- North Dakota: North Dakota’s law requires all school districts to install AEDs at every campus and provide training for people who will use them. This ensures that AEDs are available and that there are trained operators ready to use them.
Read More: AED Laws and AED Requirements By State
Steps to Implementing an AED Program
Creating a safe environment in schools means having a well-organized Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program. This can greatly improve the chances of survival during a cardiac emergency. Here’s how schools can set up an effective AED program:
Assessment of Needs
Every school is different, so start by assessing what your school needs. Consider the following:
- Size of the School: Larger schools or those with many buildings may need more AEDs.
- Layout of the School: Identify where AEDs should be placed for easy access, such as near gyms, auditoriums, and main offices.
- Activities and Events: Look at sports programs and after-school activities, as these can increase the risk of cardiac events. Review any past incidents of cardiac emergencies at your school to help plan the placement and number of AEDs.
Choosing the Right AED
Selecting the right AED is crucial for your program’s success. Here are some things to consider:
- Ease of Use: Choose AEDs that are simple to operate, as they should be usable by people with minimal training.
- Cost: Consider not only the initial cost but also the ongoing costs for maintenance, batteries, and pads.
- Special Features: Some AEDs come with features like pediatric settings or multilingual instructions, which can be useful in a school setting.
- Durability: Ensure that the AEDs are durable, especially if they will be used in outdoor areas or high-traffic locations.
Training and Certification
Having AEDs is only part of the solution; training is essential:
- Staff Training: Regularly train staff in CPR and AED use. Make sure they know how to operate the AED and perform CPR.
- Student Training: Consider offering AED and CPR training to older students as well. This helps create a more prepared school community.
- Certification Programs: Look for ACLS certification programs. These often combine AED and CPR training.
- Regular Refresher Courses: Schedule periodic refresher courses to keep everyone’s skills up-to-date. Being well-prepared can make a crucial difference in an emergency.
What is an AED Drill in School
An AED drill in a school is a practice exercise designed to prepare students, teachers, and staff for how to respond during a cardiac emergency, specifically using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The following situations are enacted in a drill:
- Simulated Emergency: A scenario is created where someone “collapses” due to sudden cardiac arrest. This could be a staff member or even a student acting out the role.
- Response Team Activation: The school’s emergency response team, which may include trained staff or even students, is alerted. They follow the school’s emergency action plan.
- Locating and Using the AED: Participants practice retrieving the AED from its location, turning it on, and following the device’s voice prompts to provide help. The drill may also involve practicing CPR, as AEDs are often used in conjunction with chest compressions.
- Evaluating the Response: After the drill, there’s usually a review session to discuss what went well and what could be improved. This helps ensure that everyone is clear on their roles and knows how to act quickly in a real emergency.
Why Are AED Drills Important?
In emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death. This is where AED drills come into play. An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) drill is a practice exercise that prepares students, teachers, and staff to act swiftly in a cardiac emergency.
- Building Confidence: Regular AED drills help participants become familiar with the device and the steps needed to use it. This familiarity builds confidence, making it more likely that someone will take action quickly during a real emergency.
- Improving Response Time: Practicing in a simulated environment helps to reduce hesitation and streamline the response process. The faster an AED is used, the better the chances of survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
- Creating Awareness: AED drills ensure that everyone knows where the devices are located and understands how to use them. This awareness is crucial, as a quick and informed response is vital during a cardiac emergency.
- Enhancing Team Coordination: AED drills also help to clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring that the emergency response team works efficiently together. This coordination can be critical in a high-stress situation.
Where are AEDs located in Schools?
In an emergency, AED positioning may make a big strategic impact. Here’s a look at common areas where are AED located in schools:
Main Office
The main office is at the center of the school. Often, it is the first place visitors check in and where staff members congregate. Putting an AED here guarantees trained staff members have quick access. It also makes maintenance and easy monitoring of the gadget possible.
Gymnasiums
Exercise raises a sudden cardiac event risk. Gyms are thus perfect sites for AEDs. Having an AED close by can save valuable minutes in an emergency during sports events, PE courses, or school functions. Working in these fields, staff, and coaches should be aware of the precise AED location.
Cafeterias
Meal times bring plenty of traffic into school cafeterias. They also often plan activities outside of usual school hours. An AED in the cafeteria guarantees coverage during these crowded times. Its prime position might also benefit surrounding schools.
Auditoriums
School plays, assemblies, and concerts bring large crowds to auditoriums. During these occurrences, an AED here may literally save a life. It is important to mark the AED’s position and teach event workers about its usage.
Hallways
Strategic areas for AEDs abound in high-traffic halls. They provide instant access from many parts of the university. Arranging AEDs in corridors also improves visibility and reminds staff and students of their availability.
Nurse’s Office
An AED fits rather naturally in the office of the school nurse. Medical personnel with training respond fast to crises. Still, it shouldn’t be the sole place as the nurse could not be constantly present.
Sports Fields
Outdoor sports events need AED coverage, too. Portable AEDs around athletic fields provide safety during games and practices. These places could need storage resistant to weather.
Concession Stands and Other Facilities
There should be AEDs close by areas like concession stalls where people assemble. This covers buildings utilized for community events or after-school activities. In these less familiar environments, clear signage facilitates rapid AED location by individuals.
From Implementation to Impact: The AED Journey in Schools
Having AED in schools is more than just a safety measure—it’s about protecting young lives. We’ve talked about the important parts of setting up an AED program, like meeting legal requirements, deciding where to put AEDs, and training staff to use them. AEDs are important because they can really help save lives during sudden cardiac emergencies.
