AED Protocols for Schools

Many high schools, districts, and states require that automatic external defibrillators be present in high schools, especially if they participate in state wide sporting events. This is because automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, can save lives when used properly. Nobody knows for sure what causes arrhythmia, but doctors do know that the only way to cure it is with an electrical charge to the heart. Students, especially student athletes, have been known to suffer from sudden cardiac arrest, often caused by arrhythmia, even if, up until that point, they have been perfectly healthy. One of the most frightening things about arrhythmia is that it can quickly turn lethal if not treated. That means if it happens to a student, coach, or even a parent on school property, they could very well die before the ambulance with the EMTs arrive. Since that is a major risk, or at least enough of a risk to frighten districts, schools across the nation of purchased and been trained to use the AED.

AED protocols for schools are absolutely critical to follow. However, they vary from school to school. If you are just introducing an AED to your school or district, you might want to contact the provider for the AED, or search for what other schools have done and model your protocols based on their experiences. Once the protocols have been established, every teacher and staff member should be required to read and sign off on the protocols, in case they are ever in the situation to use the AED machine.

Related Information

AED Oxygen Backpack
An AED oxygen backpack is useful for stopping cardiac arrests and responding unconscious people.

AED Training
AED training can be found through organizations like the American Heart Association.