Heart Safe Schools Can Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death

It appears that instances of young athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are appearing on the news more frequently these days. But SCA can be experienced by non-athletes, too.

It’s difficult to figure out exactly who is at risk before SCA happens: the three primary causes (having a structural heart defect, having an issue with the heart’s electrical system, and having an abnormal rhythm that is caused by an infection or a hit to the chest) aren’t visible. While it’s virtually impossible to prevent SCA, sudden cardiac death can be prevented with proper preparation. For schools, where young people spend approximately 1,000 hours a year, that can mean becoming a Heart Safe School.

The textbook way to react to SCA (which causes unconsciousness) is to call 911 first. Then, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started, and if there is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site, it should be retrieved from its storage space and used.

It sounds simple enough, but there are many pieces of this puzzle that need to have proper and consistent maintenance to have the best chance of saving a life.

Becoming a Heart Safe School means going through a certification process that ensures:

AEDs are on-site, accessible, checked for performance readiness on a regular basis (and documented), and have a first responder kit (CPR barrier device, scissors, gloves, razor and towel) near it or attached to it.
The school designates a CPR-AED Site Coordinator to oversee training, along with a Cardiac Emergency Response Team made up of at least five to 10 people.
The school has a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan that is reviewed yearly, includes an emergency communication code for responders and others in the area, and is shared with local emergency medical services and outside groups who use the facility.
CPR-AED training for the Cardiac Emergency Response Team is updated every two years.
All faculty and staff know where to find and access the AED(s) and receive education about SCA awareness annually.
Cardiac emergency response drills are performed at least once per year.

When a SCA occurs, it is vital that the victim receives immediate CPR and a shock from an AED within the first five minutes. Taking the necessary steps to become a Heart Safe School ensures that should a cardiac incident occur, there will be school personnel who are prepared to jump into action, with equipment that is easily accessible and operated, to save a life.