Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
05:36
Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine
Published on: January 30, 2020
Automated external defibrillators in West Virginia schools
Christopher W Mercer1, Larry A Rhodes, John R Phillips
1WVUSOM, Morgantown, USA.
The West Virginia Medical Journal
|August 10, 2012
Summary
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are present in most West Virginia schools, with programs showing high survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest. While cost is a barrier, donations and grants help schools acquire AEDs, potentially saving lives.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children and adolescents is a community tragedy.
- School-based automated external defibrillator (AED) programs improve survival rates for SCA on school grounds.
- AED prevalence is increasing in U.S. schools.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze AED prevalence and usage in West Virginia middle and high schools.
- Identify barriers to AED acquisition in schools.
- Examine sudden death cases on school grounds.
Main Methods:
- Mailed surveys to West Virginia middle and high schools.
- Collected demographic, AED, and sudden death data.
- Follow-up contact for schools reporting deaths.
Main Results:
- 72% survey response rate; 68% of schools have at least one AED.
- Public high schools had the highest AED prevalence (76%).
- Donations/grants (69%) were primary acquisition methods; cost (82%) was the main barrier.
Conclusions:
- Over two-thirds of WV schools possess AEDs, demonstrating their effectiveness in saving lives.
- Cost remains a significant barrier, but donations/grants are viable acquisition pathways.
- Increased AED availability could prevent numerous sudden deaths in schools.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
01:25Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
01:21Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or they are no longer breathing. The foundation of CPR is Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on the early recognition of cardiac arrest, the immediate start of high-quality chest compressions, and the timely use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).Assessing Responsiveness and Checking the Carotid PulseWhen approaching an unresponsive person, first ensure...
01:25Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...