AED's in SCHOOLS

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) strikes people of all ages, including children.

It is estimated that in the UK alone 12 young people a week die due to SCA.

The death of anyone, regardless of age, leaves a void in the lives of his survivors. However, the death of a child seemingly in the prime of life is very difficult to accept. The impact on family, school, 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 sports) may exacerbate these difficulties.

• As many as 1 in 500 hundred children may suffer from cardiac myopathies in which the heart muscle is unusually thick. This often undetected condition can lead to SCA and can be precipitated by exercise.
• Commotio Cordis is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating effectively following a relatively low velocity impact with a blunt object to the chest. The impact can be in the form of a rugby ball, football, hockey ball, knee or shoulder. In the USA it has been documented as being the second most common cause of SCA in school age athletes.

The only effective form of treatment for SCA is rapid (within 4-6 minutes) defibrillation using an Automated External Defibrillator or AED as part of the chain of survival.

With average response times from the emergency services being at least 10 minutes, without an on site AED the chances of survival are almost nil.

In addition to the students who are at risk, teachers, office staff, parents and visitors are all among those whose lives will also be protected through placement of an AED.

For further details of our packages for schools, please email: schools@thedefibcentre.co.uk or call us on 0800 634 9745.