The Importance of AEDs in Schools: A Life-Saving Strategy for Campuses

Schools are well prepared to keep their students, staff, and community at large safe from health and safety risks such as fires and violence. So shouldn't they also make sure that their campus is prepared to keep everyone safe from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), one of the leading causes of death in the United States?

Understanding the Risk

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting not only adults but tragically, youth as well. Approximately 7,000-10,000 children die from SCA each year, and it is the leading cause of death for student-athletes. Yet, despite its prevalence, many schools remain underprepared to handle such emergencies.

Fortunately, there's a simple and effective solution to help schools be prepared to respond to a cardiac arrest emergency! Having AEDs readily accessible is proven to save the vast majority of people who go into SCA on school campuses.

Why Schools Need AEDs

SCA can happen anywhere, and schools are no exception. Research shows that 2 out of every 50 high schools will experience an SCA event each year. Alarmingly, the number of deaths from SCA among students is significant, with many occurring during physical activities like sports. What's more, SCA doesn't just affect students; it poses a risk to adults on school campuses, including parents, teachers, and staff.

School AED Programs Save Lives

Studies indicate that survival rates for SCA are dramatically higher in schools with AEDs. In schools with AEDs, survival rates can reach 70%, more than seven times the national average. Even more promising, schools with a comprehensive AED program—including a well-rehearsed Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP)—can achieve survival rates as high as 85%!

Key Considerations for AEDs in Schools

All Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) work and will save lives. The most important thing is to ensure that your school is equipped with these life-saving AED units, no matter which brand or model.

When selecting an AED for a school, consider the following:

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

• Initial purchase price
• Ongoing expenses
• Battery and electrode pad replacements
• Maintenance costs

Size & Portability

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Transportable for sports events or recess

Connectivity

• Automatic maintenance alerts
• Reduced manual check requirements

Pediatric Capability

• Universal electrode pads
• Pediatric button for automatic adjustment

Fully Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic

• Semi-automatic requires manual shock button press
• Fully automatic delivers shock automatically when needed

Building a Successful AED Program

To create an effective AED program, schools should:

1. Appoint an AED Program Manager
2. Develop a Budget and Fundraising Plan
3. Strategically Place AEDs
4. Create a Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT)
5. Increase Awareness
6. Maintain the Program

Funding Solutions

While funding can be challenging, schools can explore:

• Local Grants and Partnerships
• Community Sponsorships
• Healthcare System Partnerships
• Fundraising Events
• Online Campaigns

Conclusion

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death for students and adults alike, but with the right preparation, schools can dramatically improve survival rates. By investing in AEDs and implementing a comprehensive AED program, schools can protect the lives of their students, staff, and the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my school is prepared for a cardiac arrest emergency?

While installing AEDs on your campus is an excellent initial step, an equally crucial follow-up is ensuring your campus is adequately prepared to respond to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) emergency.

The most effective way to achieve this is by implementing a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) for the campus. Similar to how faculty conduct fire drills, the CERP will enable the campus community to regularly practice and refine their response to an SCA emergency.

Is my school required to have an AED?

Different states have different laws regarding AEDs in schools. Want to learn more about your state? Read the 2020 updated School AED legislation guide.

How many AEDs does my school need?

At a minimum, your institution should ensure the availability of at least one AED that is accessible at all hours. Ideally, this device should be mobile and easily transportable to key areas, such as athletic facilities, where the likelihood of a cardiac arrest occurring during after-school sporting events is highest.

However, if budgetary considerations permit, it is strongly recommended that the school acquire a sufficient number of AEDs to ensure that one is accessible within a two-minute brisk walk from any location on campus.

Who typically runs a School AED Program?

Most often a school's AED program is run by either the school nurse, athletic trainer, or athletic director. However, by no means are these the only faculty members that can take on this responsibility, as anyone who is present on campus at least once per week can be responsible for a school's AED program.

Where should I place the AEDs in my school?

Every school campus is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Here are a few guidelines that you should follow when deciding where to place AEDs on your campus:

• Make sure your AED's placement is such that the device is noticeable and easily accessible by any bystander. AEDs in a locked cabinet or the Principal's office do nobody any good!
• Prioritize placement near athletic facilities given those are the highest risk areas for someone being a victim of SCA.
• If you are able to purchase multiple AEDs for your school, it's best to strategically place the devices such that an AED is always accessible within a two minute brisk walk from anywhere on campus.

How should I fund my school's AED program?

There are lots of ways to get your AED program funded! Here are four ways that other schools have seen success with obtaining funding:

• Pursuing local grants and sponsorships from nonprofits and/or companies
• Partner with a local health system or hospital
• Pursue grants from "like-minded" national corporations
• Work with your community to organize a fundraiser

How often does a cardiac arrest emergency occur on a school campus?

More often than one would think. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death on school campuses. To put that into context for high schools specifically, in 2017, the American College of Cardiology reported that 2 out of every 50 high schools should expect an SCA to occur on their campus every year.

While an SCA emergency may not occur on your campus this year, or next year... the data shows that it will eventually happen. Just like you prepare your school for the incredibly small chance that a fire breaks out, you need to prepare your school for the day that an SCA will occur on your campus.

You don't want to be "the school" that purchases AEDs only after tragedy strikes on your campus. Be proactive!

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