By Heather Barker Vermeer Industry Reporter
An AED is not compulsory, but perhaps it would be wise to consider installing one of these life-saving devices as a staple first aid measure on school grounds. They should be activated in step three of a cardiac arrest response procedure:
When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops beating and unless a heartbeat is restored, they will die. The chance of survival reduces 10 percent for every minute someone goes without cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillating shock. Whangārei Primary School increased that chance of survival for anyone experiencing cardiac arrest in, or near, its school by installing a donated automated external defibrillator (AED) last year. AEDs, also known as defibrillators, deliver a safe electric shock to restart the heart. CPR can temporarily maintain blood and oxygen circulation until a defibrillating shock is administered. They are designed so that anyone can use them, even without much training. The device itself will talk you through the life-saving process. According to the OHCA Aotearoa New Zealand, National Report 2019/20, New Zealand reported 2212 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests: three percent occurred in children (aged under 15), 97 percent in adults (aged 15 and up), and community members were fundamental in the early defibrillation of 112
40
1.
Call 111 for an ambulance
2.
Start CPR
3.
Use an AED as soon as possible
There are significantly fewer AEDs available in rural areas and coupled with the fact that rural residents have a disproportionately higher incidence of cardiac arrest, AEDs outside of urban areas are crucial if lives are to be saved. Schools are often the heartbeat of rural communities and are therefore an ideal location for an AED to be situated. Providing services to the community such as hall hire, sports events, and meetings, increases the potential need for life-saving emergency equipment further.
Image courtesy of FactCo
adult patients in cardiac arrest. Forty percent survived compared with just 10 percent of those who did not receive community defibrillation prior to help arriving. Ministry of Health guidelines state that under the Health and
Safety at Work Act 2015, “all schools must have staff trained in first aid, which generally includes how to perform CPR and use an AED”. The government body notes: “Possessing AEDs and having CPR-trained staff is highly recommended.”
HEALTH & SAFETY
A clear and simple plan should be in place for all staff to be able to administer a defibrillating shock, from an AED situated in a central, accessible location. It is essential to ensure all first aid officers having up-to-date adequate training in all first aid matters, including CPR. Local ambulance crews are often able to provide schoolwide talks or staff sessions. Term 1, 2022 | schoolnews.co.nz
© pixelaway – stock.adobe.com
AEDs at the heart of your school
