This week the Beijing Municipal Education Commission announced that all schools will be required to have AED machines on campus for the safety of faculty and students.
What is an AED?
The American Red Cross states on their website: “An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.“
Why Learn to Use an AED?
According to the Red Cross, “sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States.” The organization also says, “Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED.“
The Red Cross goes on to state on its website that because “for each minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10%, having access to an AED and knowing how to use one, is critical.” Clearly, then, it is incredibly important to be knowledgeable about AEDs, to have access to them, and to know how to properly use them.
Facts About AEDs
The following information is taken from Cardio Partners, and was originally presented in the blog post “The Importance of AEDs in Schools.” Check out their blog for more vital information.
Thousands of Children Die From Cardiac Arrest Each Year
According to the American Heart Association’s latest figures, 7,037 children die from cardiac arrest each year. When you consider that most American children spend between 175 and 180 days in school each year and receive between 900 and 1,000 hours of instructional time per year (Center for Public Education) it’s critically important for our public schools to have AEDs readily available.
SCA is Shockingly Common
It’s hard to believe, but two in fifty high schools in the United States can expect [a Sudden Cardiac Arrest]event each year.
AEDs in Schools Dramatically Improve the Hospital Survival Rate
The hospital survival rate of students who suffer from cardiac arrest in a school with an AED is approximately 70%, compared with only approximately 8% in the overall population of school-age children (American College of Cardiology).
Young Athletes are More Likely to Experience Sudden Cardiac Death than Non-Athletes
In the United States, a young competitive athlete dies suddenly every three days. Young athletes are more than twice as likely to experience SCD than young non-athletes (Close the Gap). The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that two-thirds of the deaths caused by SCA in children occur during exercise or activity. In fact, SCA is the leading cause of death in young athletes.
Every Second Counts
The American College of Cardiology notes that, “The most important contributing factor for survival of sudden cardiac arrest is the time from collapse to defibrillation. Survival decreases 10% every minute until a shock is applied.”
Anyone Can Use an AED
Studies indicate that students without any prior CPR or AED training can accurately use an AED as directed. AEDs are, by design, easy to use. By following an AED’s simple, clear voice prompts, bystanders can perform the crucial steps that can save a life. [Note from Jingkids: Although AEDs may seem easy to use, proper training from medical professionals is still necessary.To make things easier and safer for students here in Beijing, Oasis International Hospital has already started AED training at international schools across the city.]
Finding the Best Location for Your AED is Important
Your school’s AED can’t save a life if no one can find it! Finding the best placement for your AED is crucial. Locating an AED in a highly visible and public location can mean the difference between life and death.
Do you think requiring AEDs on school campuses is a positive move? And more importantly, if they are needed, do you know how to use one?
KEEP READING: Stay Safe: Emergency Numbers and Information
Images: Pexels
