Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world and the leading cause of death in the United States, killing over 375,000 Americans a year. Heart disease accounts for 1 in 7 deaths in the United States. Someone in the U.S. dies from heart disease about once every 90 seconds. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the major complication of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 450,000 people suffer annually from this event, however, SCA is treatable. Treatment of SCA is an immediate shock to the heart, which stops the fatal rhythm and allows a normal heart rhythm to resume. If the shock is performed in less than 3 minutes from onset, there is a 90% chance of survival. This shock can be performed by lay people or first responders by using an AED. AEDs are easy, safe, and effective when used properly.
Ar Wiseburn Unified School District we encourage all staff and community to participate in CPR trainings. Automatic External Defibrillators or AEDs are machines that can be used in conjunction with CPR training.
WUSD has mounted Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the Multi-Purpose Rooms and Health Offices at all elementary school sites. Dana has an AED in the School Gym as well.
Wiseburn has purchased Philips HeartStart units that are the same at all schools. They are in white boxes that will alarm when opened (the alarm is at the unit only and will not alert the office). Included in the box are the AED, a CPR mask, and instructions. Elementary schools have pediatric pads (<60 pounds) that are in the white box. The Philips HeartStart will give verbal prompts for each step during use. Keep in mind, the AED is to remain at the school. It is not to go on field trips or to the hospital if used.
Below are step by step instructions for using an AED. Please use the AED in conjunction with CPR training.
Operating an AED (all units in WUSD have audio prompts that will talk you though the process)
1. POWER ON the AED (voice prompts instruct the rescuer).
2. ATTACH electrode pads to the victim’s bare chest.
3. “CLEAR” the victim and allow the AED to ANALYZE the heart rhythm.
4. If SHOCK is advised, “Clear” the victim and push the SHOCK button when prompted and resume CPR. If no SHOCK is advised, leave pads on victim and begin CPR.
5. After 2 minutes of CPR, the AED will reanalyze the rhythm. Follow the prompts to continue treating victim.
6. Assist EMS personnel as directed until they take complete charge of the victim. The victim will be transported by EMS personnel.
7. Report the incident to the school administrator as soon as possible
Please click link below for more specific information: