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Automated external defibrillators and basic life support practices in secondary schools: a nationwide study
Mark Abela1,2, Victor Grech3, Mark A Sammut1
1Department of Cardiology, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta.
Cardiology in the Young
|November 14, 2022
Summary
Sudden cardiac arrest prevention in schools is crucial. Maltese secondary schools lack readily accessible defibrillators and sufficient staff trained in resuscitation, hindering emergency response.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) prevention in schools is gaining importance.
- Access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) significantly improves survival rates for SCA.
- Schools are critical environments for implementing SCA prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the availability of defibrillators in Maltese secondary schools.
- To assess staff competence in delivering resuscitation.
- To identify gaps in SCA prevention within the school setting.
Main Methods:
- An online questionnaire was distributed to all secondary schools in Malta.
- Data on defibrillator availability, accessibility, and staff resuscitation training were collected.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.23.
Main Results:
- Most schools (92.5%) have a defibrillator, but typically only one is available.
- Defibrillators are often not on every floor (97.2%) and infrequently located near sports facilities (30.6%).
- Only 23.5% of schools have five or more staff members certified in resuscitation; regular training is infrequent (58.3%).
Conclusions:
- Defibrillators are not optimally placed or sufficiently available in Maltese secondary schools.
- A significant deficit exists in the number of staff trained in resuscitation.
- Urgent interventions are needed to enhance SCA preparedness in schools.
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