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Why Schools?
The incidence of cardiac arrest is not as
high in the school-age population as it is in other segments of our
society. Knowing this, some may raise questions over the efficacy of
placing AEDs in our schools. The reasons are many.
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The death of anyone,
regardless of age, leaves a void in the lives of his survivors. However,
the death of an aged person who is in failing health is somewhat easier to
accept than the death of a child seemingly in the prime of life. The
impact on the family, the school, his friends, and the entire community is
not easily overcome. Most adults, especially those who are parents, place
a high value on protecting the lives of children.
-
A host of undetected cardiac
problems exist within any sizeable school population and some school
activities (especially athletics) may exacerbate these difficulties
- As many as one in five
hundred children may suffer from cardiac myopathies in which the heart
muscle is unusually thick. This often undetected condition can lead to
cardiac arrest and sudden death. It may develop following a growth spurt
and may be brought on by strenuous exercise.
- Long
QT Syndrome is a lengthening of the time it takes the heart to
recharge its electrical system following each heartbeat. Long QT may
run in families and can result in cardiac arrest.
-
Wolff-Parkinson-White
Syndrome results in electrical signals reaching parts of the heart
prematurely because of the development of an extra pathway. Rapid heart
rhythm is the normal result but in rare instances, cardiac arrest may
occur.
-
Commodio Cordis results from
blunt impact to the chest during the repolarization phase of the cardiac
cycle. The impact can be in the form of a baseball, softball, or lacrosse
ball striking the chest of a healthy athlete
- Even schools for young
children have many adults present every day. Teachers, teachers’ aides,
custodians, office staff, administrators, reading specialists, and parent
volunteers are among those whose lives will be protected through placement
of an AED.
- Schools provide a natural
placement option for public access defibrillation programs. Hospitals and
other public buildings tend to be located in population centers. Schools
are more uniformly distributed. Placing AEDs in them puts life saving
technology nearer to those residents who are most likely to suffer long
delays from EMS services.
- Schools serve as central
gathering points within the community. Whether it is parents attending a
school concert or a school play or everyone in town attending a basketball
or football game, it is hard to imagine an institution that more regularly
attracts large numbers of people for extended periods of time.
- There is educational value
in placing AEDs in schools. Primary level teachers can make their pupils
aware of what they are and how they are used by keeping the information
very general. Secondary teachers can integrate CPR and AED instruction
into the curriculum. The more familiar children are with AEDs, the greater
the likelihood that they will use them in the event of a cardiac
emergency.
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