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Sudden cardiac arrest response preparedness in Durham County schools
Meredith Sooy-Mossey1, Michelle DeRusso2, Cynthia L Green3
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, 2301 Erwin Road, DUMC Box 3127, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Cardiology in the Young
|September 1, 2022
Summary
Most schools have automated external defibrillators (AEDs), but emergency cardiac arrest plans and staff training are inconsistent. Early AED access and CPR improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Cardiology
Background:
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a critical medical emergency with high mortality rates.
- Early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) significantly improve survival outcomes.
- The presence and preparedness for SCA events in educational settings are crucial for student and staff safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the availability and accessibility of AEDs in schools.
- To assess the existence and implementation of emergency cardiac arrest (ECA) plans within schools.
- To identify gaps in preparedness for SCA events in the school environment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional electronic survey was administered to assess AED availability and ECA plan status in schools.
- Data collected included information on AED presence, staff training, maintenance protocols, and ECA plan existence.
- Statistical analysis examined relationships between AED availability and school demographics, including socio-economic and racial/ethnic composition.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of schools (88%) reported access to an AED.
- However, staff training and maintenance plans for AEDs were highly variable.
- A significant majority of schools lacked a formal ECA plan (28% had none, 36% were unaware).
- AED availability showed a positive correlation with student population size (p = 0.0030).
Conclusions:
- While AEDs are common in schools, their effectiveness is limited by inconsistent staff training and maintenance.
- The widespread absence or lack of awareness regarding ECA plans poses a significant risk.
- Schools require improved strategies for implementing comprehensive emergency preparedness, including robust ECA plans and regular AED maintenance, regardless of state legislation.
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