Preventing sudden cardiac arrest in schools.Approximately 7,000 children lose their lives every year due to sudden cardiac arrest cardiac arrest n. Abbr. CA A sudden cessation of cardiac function, resulting in loss of effective circulation. Cardiac arrest A condition in which the heart stops functioning. , says Dick Wright, president of AED AED - Automated Engineering Design Headquarters. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning. Student athletes are susceptible. If a ball hits a student in the right spot at the right time in the cardiac cycle, sudden cardiac arrest may follow. Students with congenital heart defects Congenital heart defects Congenital means conditions which are present at birth. Congenital heart disease includes a variety of defects that babies are born with. Mentioned in: Heart Failure, Heart Surgery for Congenital Defects are at-risk as well. But the outcome of sudden cardiac arrest is not necessarily death. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can restart the heart and save lives. But currently only 20 percent of schools have AEDs, and many have not purchased enough AEDs to support the entire campus. AEDs are easy to use and cost-effective, continues Wright. He points to research showing that it takes kids only 60 seconds longer to use an AED than a trained paramedic par·a·med·ic n. A person who is trained to give emergency medical treatment or assist medical professionals. paramedic . AED prices have dropped to the $1,500 range. Twelve states have recognized the value of AED technology and mandated placement of AEDs in certain areas, including schools. Schools should implement cardio-pulmonary resuscitation resuscitation /re·sus·ci·ta·tion/ (-sus?i-ta´shun) restoration to life of one apparently dead. cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED training as they develop a response plan; however, even an untrained witness to sudden cardiac arrest can use an AED to restart the heart, stresses Wright. "In the future AEDs will be as prominent as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors," predicts Wright. 10 Key Essentials for Proper AED Implementation in Schools 1. Develop an AED task force with five to seven members from the school and medical community. 2. Select an AED. Determine how many AEDs are needed, and evaluate models from at least three manufacturers. 3. Place AEDs in schools. They should be placed in conspicuous locations within a 60-90 second walk from any spot on campus. Insure that local emergency medical providers know the location of AEDs. 4. Consider emergency phones. Locate AEDs near phones or place a phone above the AED cabinet. 5. Utilize wall mounted cabinets. Cabinets can be wired to a security system to notify the fire and rescue center when opened. 6. Evaluate fast response kits that include CPR masks, razors, EMT See Efficient markets theory. scissors scissors Cutting instrument or tool consisting of a pair of opposed metal blades that meet and cut when the handles at their ends are brought together. Modern scissors are of two types: the more usual pivoted blades have a rivet or screw connection between the cutting ends , disposable gloves, antimicrobial hand wipes and disposable towels. 7. Place signs that inform students, staff and visitors about the purpose of AEDs and potential consequences of tampering with the equipment. Inspect AED units. 8. Monthly inspections check pads and battery life. 9. Implement age-appropriate CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Definition Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a procedure to support and maintain breathing and circulation for a person who has stopped breathing (respiratory arrest) and/or whose heart has stopped (cardiac and AED training. 10. Develop an emergency action plan that assesses the school's ability to respond to sudden cardiac emergencies. |
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