As school administrators and superintendents, your top priority is ensuring your students’ and staff’s safety and well-being. While you likely often focus on security measures and emergency protocols, there’s another critical piece of life-saving equipment that every high school campus should consider: an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Why High Schools Need AEDs
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone: SCA doesn’t discriminate by age or fitness level. Young athletes, teachers, and visitors are all at risk.
- Time is of the essence: The chances of survival decrease by 7-10% for every minute without defibrillation. Having AEDs readily available can dramatically improve outcomes.
- Legal considerations: Many states now require AEDs in high schools. Even where not mandated, having AEDs demonstrates a commitment to safety and can mitigate liability concerns.
- Community resource: Schools often serve as community centers, hosting events beyond school hours. AEDs protect not just students and staff but also visitors and community members.
Where to Place AEDs on Your High School Campus
To ensure maximum effectiveness, AEDs in high schools across the campus should be strategically placed for quick access:
- Athletic facilities: Gyms, sports fields, and locker rooms
- Main office or central location
- Each floor of multi-story buildings
- Cafeteria or auditorium
- Near the school nurse’s office
AED Options To Graduate Into
When selecting an AED for your high school, consider these reputable options:
- Zoll AED Plus: Known for its real-time CPR feedback and long-lasting batteries.
- Zoll AED 3: Features a color display and intuitive design for ease of use.
- Philips FRx: Compact and rugged, ideal for various environments, including outdoor sports areas.
- Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2: Offers bilingual capabilities and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy maintenance.
Each of these models has unique features that may align with your school’s specific needs and budget. It’s essential to evaluate factors such as ease of use, maintenance requirements,and ongoing costs when making your decision.
Implementing an AED Program
Simply purchasing AEDs is not enough, however. A comprehensive AED program should include:
- Training for staff and interested students
- Regular maintenance checks
- Integration with your emergency response plan
- Clear signage indicating AED locations
Investing in AEDs in high schools is an investment in the safety and well-being of your entire school community. By being prepared for cardiac emergencies, you’re not just following best practices – you’re potentially saving lives.
As you consider this important decision, remember that the cost of an AED is minimal compared to the invaluable protection it provides. Take action today to make your high school campus a safer place for everyone.
Best of all, our team of experts at AED.US has a plethora of experience guiding administrators and superintendents at the high school level to the best solutions in defibrillators that match your budget and school campus footprint. Before starting the next school year, semester or quarter, let’s talk today to ensure you roll into an intelligent safety plan at 888-652-1882.