The Vital Importance of AEDs:Lessons from the Marshall Middle School Tragedy
Our community is heartbroken after the tragic and sudden loss of Landon Payton, a student at Marshall Middle School in HISD, who sadly passed away after a medical emergency during gym class last week. The school staff tried to help by using an AED - a device designed to save lives in situations like this - but it wasn’t working. Landon’s passing has now sparked an important conversation about the role of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in our schools.
It's a painful reminder that emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, having a working AED can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, a recent report revealed that 170 AEDs in Houston ISD schools were malfunctioning at the time of the student’s death. This alarming discovery underscores the urgent need for regular maintenance and checks of these life-saving devices.
How Often Should You Check Your AED?
An AED is a crucial tool in responding to sudden cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. The person is not breathing and unresponsive. An AED delivers an electric shock to the heart, which can restore a normal heartbeat. However, if the AED isn’t working properly - due to a dead battery, expired pads, or other issues - it can’t do its job.
This is why regular checks are so important. Schools must ensure that every AED is fully operational, with batteries that are charged and pads that are not expired. These checks should be done monthly, and any issues should be addressed immediately.
What Do Schools Need To Do To Ensure They’re Prepared?
Conduct Regular AED Audits: Every school should perform an audit of their AEDs. This includes checking battery levels, ensuring pads are within their expiration dates, making certain there is a pair of medical grade scissors to cut clothing, a razor to possibly shave a man’s chest, an absorbent towel to dry off the chest, and confirming that the devices are in good working order.
Designate Responsibility: Schools must assign a specific person or team to be responsible for monthly AED checks. This includes maintaining a log that records the date of each check, the condition of the AED, and any actions taken to address issues.
Provide Regular Training: Staff and students should receive regular training on how to use an AED. Everyone should know where the AEDs are located and be confident in how to operate them in an emergency.
Increase Awareness and Advocacy: Schools, parents, and community members need to advocate for proper AED maintenance. Awareness campaigns can help ensure that this issue receives the attention it deserves.
The loss of a student at Marshall Middle School is a tragic wake-up call to all of us about the critical importance of maintaining AEDs in our schools. These devices are there to save lives, but they can only do so if they are properly maintained and ready to use.
Stay Safe and Healthy,
Gail Gould
CPR and Safety Lady
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