Where to Put an AED in a School

By Bill, posted

Evidence suggests that children are suffering with sudden cardiac arrests whilst at school. Some lives are saved and others are sadly lost. When an AED is present the child’s chance of survival is dramatically increased, which has prompted for some people to call for them to be in all schools.

Schools who choose to purchase an AED to protect their pupils / staff members may wish to consider the following factors with regard to location and security.

Tom Aed

Proximity

The AED always needs to be in quick reach from the place where the cardiac arrest occurs. Aim for a 2 minute retrieval time at a brisk walk / run. The quicker the AED goes on to the child the better their chance of recovery.

Hint - On staff training days practice retrieval times on the playground / sports pitches etc

There is a close link between physical exertion and sudden cardiac arrest. In light of this make sure there is an AED within 1/2 minutes of the sports hall / pitches. Bigger schools may need several AED’s - potentially having one at reception and another in the heart of the classroom areas.

Security

There is a fine line between over securing the AED and not having enough security. Over securing the device could lead to the AED not being used in a real life cardiac arrest. To little security could lead to theft and vandalism.

Consider an unlocked cabinet with an alarm (in corridors) to stop pupils from tampering with the device. Areas that are manned by staff (eg reception) could just have the AED on a wall mount.

Hint - When possible try to not lock the AED away. In an emergency someone may not have the key

Community Access

Schools can often be at the heart of their community, but are often shut at the weekends and during holidays. During these times it is quite possible that the AED could not be accessed.

Consider having the AED on a locked cabinet outside if the community is to benefit from the machine. Inform the local ambulance service of the code so that when someone dials 999 they can access the machine quickly.

Hint - also inform the local ambulance service of all of the schools AED’s and where they are positioned

Case Study

Reigate college has protected its pupils and staff by purchasing three AED units. One unit is in the sports centre, another at reception and a third in the highest density of classrooms.

The college also have a carry case for the AED in case it needs to be taken away for a school trip.

Several staff members are trained on how to use the machine. This takes into consideration that someone could be off sick or away from their position.

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