As the school year gets underway, students may face the risk of experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies while away from home.
Last week, a Marshall Middle School student died after experiencing a medical emergency. School officials said the student passed out on the gym floor and later passed away.
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If you were around someone in need, would you know where to locate an AED and how to use it?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a vital component in emergency preparedness, particularly in settings where large groups of people congregate, such as schools.
In Texas specifically, legislative measures have been introduced to mandate the presence of AEDs on school campuses, underscoring the importance of rapid response in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
The Texas Education Code (Section 38.017 and Chapter 779) requires that each school district and open-enrollment charter school must ensure that an AED is readily available on each campus. This code aims to safeguard students, staff, and visitors by providing immediate access to life-saving equipment.
AEDs are portable devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. They are user-friendly, with voice prompts and visual aids to guide even untrained individuals through the process of administering a shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
VIDEO: Performing CPR in case of an emergency
Reports show that for each minute that passes without defibrillation from an AED, a person’s chance of surviving dips by 7-10%.
In addition to having AEDs on site, Texas law mandates that schools conduct regular training sessions for staff and students. These sessions are crucial for familiarizing the school community with the operation of AEDs and ensuring a swift and efficient response during emergencies. The legislation also requires maintenance checks to ensure that the devices are functional and ready for use at any given moment.
Houston CPR and Safety Lady, Gail Gould spoke to KPRC 2 about how to properly use an AED.
“The first thing you want to do is turn it on, press the power button. And it should come on and tell you ‘Battery Operating OK’. The power should come on and you want to make certain that the AED has pads that are not expired. You want to get a pair of medical-grade scissors because anytime you use an AED, you have to cut the person’s shirts, cut the woman’s bra,” Gould said. “Texas schools are required to have AEDs. They’re required to have people trained to use the AED. They’re required to have an action plan to use the AED, and finally, they need to check it once a month.”
The implementation of AEDs in Texas schools represents a proactive step towards enhancing safety and preparedness. By equipping educational institutions with these essential devices and providing the necessary training, the state aims to create a safer environment where immediate medical intervention can save lives.