School Mandates for AEDs slowed by economy

I recently read this article:  http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/111835889_Defibrillator_bill_stalled_over_funds.html

There are several very good points made in this article.

Of note is that these lifesaving devices can be purchased for $1000 or under and AED packages (cabinet, etc) are $1000 to $1500.  And, companies and facilities should want to purchase and maintain the devices under their own lead, not based upon being MANDATED to buy.

I know of several MANDATED customers (schools, fitness clubs, gyms, etc) where they – without hand holding and an easy database solution that is inexpensive – DID NOT hold up their end of the bargain historically due to the absence of an AED program Champion.    Pads expire, Batteries expire, devices go unchecked and management is crossing their fingers [and toes] that the device works when it is needed at their location (if it is even remembered to be used).

The key is that these devices save lives, they should not be mandated, they should be affordable and easy to maintain.  THEY SAVE LIVES and let’s not forget that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the biggest killer annually in the U.S.

How can you fund an AED?  There are grants – email us for a copy of “THE FOUNDATION OF FUNDING AEDS” – FREE, COMPLIMENTARY and no strings attached!

EMAIL:   grants@think-safe.com (subject – COPY OF FOUNDATION OF FUNDING AEDS)

How can you make sure the AED is constantly in compliance and checked regularly for under $25 – 50/yr at your location?  info@firstvoice.us or check out this link:

http://www.firstvoice.us/Products/FirstVoiceAEDProgramManager/tabid/727/Default.aspx

It seems that the answer to placing the devices are not mandates but rather, proper funding and program solutions for the long term!   We can always be reached at  as well at the contact info below, and we are happy to give you our technical insights into accessible funding sources and cost reductions, where applicable!

Making Minutes Matter

Think Safe Blog /grants@think-safe.com (888.473.1777)

One Mom’s Story….

In May Think Safe received the following letter requesting assistance from a mom….. This is being reprinted with the permission of this mother in an effort to help others understand that Sudden Cardiac Arrest does affect children in the U.S. as well as adults.

Hello my name is Corinne Ruiz.

Olivia Ruiz' Last School Picture

April 22, 2004, my 14 year old daughter Olivia died from sudden cardiac arrest.  Olivia was on life support for ten days. After ten days, we were told that Olivia had no brain activity. We were left with a very painful decision to remove our daughter from the breathing machine.

April 22nd, it was six years since the death of my daughter. Not a day goes by that I don’t ask myself, “If only I had known about Long QT Syndrome/Sudden Cardiac Arrest and AEDs”. Maybe, just maybe Olivia would be alive today.

I and many other families who have lost children to Sudden Cardiac Arrest are now their voice. We are dedicated to protecting our youth from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and preventable Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Unfortunately, where I live, xxx, very little is known about SCA in our youth.  I was quite surprised to find out that Olivia’s High School, xxx, didn’t have an AED on campus.

It’s time to make a difference, speak out, with the hope of saving others.  I plan on promoting SCA awareness in my community.  I have written letters to our community leaders to see if they have implemented community Public Access Defibrillation programs. I have contacted my local state representative, senators regarding the Josh Miller Hearts Act, which would provide a pool of grant money for school districts to use to purchase AED’s. If this passes, it would make mandating AED’s in [state xx] easier because it would offset a large portion of the start-up costs. I have written letters to our senators on behalf of the American Hearth Association supporting SB 1281.

I am a mom who is now left with:

• If only I had known that I had options..
• If only I had been told that there are screening tests or preventative treatments..
• If only I had known that my daughter looked normal but her heart wasn’t..
• If only I had known that an AED could give my daughter another chance..
• …then maybe I wouldn’t have lost my Olivia..

I hope after reading my story, you will find it in your heart to donate an AED to XX High School, in memory of my daughter, Olivia. I am not a politician nor am I an expert in the medical field, I am Olivia’s mom.  A mom who will not let her daughter’s death be in vain.

Thanking you in advance for your support.

Since that date, Corrine has been crucial in placing an AED at this school and is crucial in helping to place others in the surrounding area. Think Safe is proud to be of assistance in making this happen as well. We can provide funding solutions!

Each year 10,000 to 15,000 or more children die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, just like Olivia – due to a fatal accident or undiagnosed medical condition.

For educational materials on SCA, grant or fund raising assistance or special school packages please contact the technical experts at Think Safe, 888-473-1777 or info@think-safe.com.  Let’s make schools an even safer place for our children!

Why do we need AEDs in camps or at schools?

June 2010

What is the scoop on AEDs and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

We are talking about the nation’s leading killer; killing more people than strokes, AIDS and breast cancer in the US annually.  Each year, between 300,000 and 400,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside of a hospital.

About 10,000 to 20,000 are children!  SCA affects people of all ages!

On average in the U.S., just 6.4% of SCA victims survive. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) take chances of survival to over 65%. In fact, early defibrillation (within 2-4 minutes ideally) with CPR is the only way to restore the SCA victim’s heart rhythm to normal. For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by around 10%. However, there are not enough AEDs to provide this life-saving treatment, resulting in lost opportunities to save more lives. Tragically, per a NIH study in 2007, 64% of Americans have never even seen an AED. AED PROGRAMS CAN AND DO IMPROVE SURVIVAL RATES. Communities with comprehensive AED programs that include training of anticipated rescuers in both CPR and AED use have achieved survival rates of 65 percent or higher.

How does this affect camps?  [American Camping Association**]

Illinois in 2009 passed an AED law for “recreational areas” that includes sports fields or recreational areas, affecting schools and camps.  Also, organizations that are involved in camping – such as the YMCAs, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts have been placing AEDs in an increasing number of facilities and camps. This is setting an expectation to provide care amongst the population and camp attendees.  With AEDs becoming more readily available, the potential exists for increased litigation from not having an AED on premises if there is a SCA event at the camp facilities. With AED prices dropping, more products to choose from, and the possible consequences of living in our litigious society, the time for a camp to purchase an AED is now. This is especially true of those camps in remote areas where medical response is delayed.

Why should I be a champion for AEDs?   Can’t we just call 911?

The national average for EMS response in the US is 8-10 minutes.  It is recommended (for best chances of survival) AEDs be used early on and ideally within 2-4 minutes.  There is a very good chance emergency medical services (EMS) cannot respond fast enough to save someone in cardiac arrest, particularly in congested urban areas, high-rise buildings, in remote rural areas, or large facilities.

What constitutes gross negligence isn’t spelled out in the law. Per product liability attorneys specializing in AED case law, organizations that have heavy traffic are more at risk if they fail to comply with “standards to provide care” and don’t have an AED at all.  Any manager or camp director at any large or high traffic facility should consider ramifications of not having at least one on premises in the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).  It is most likely their own job they are putting on the line and they should argue hard for them.  As a value-add for those directors whom can’t get top down management on board and funding is an obstacle; they should get hard copy evidence on file from their management if they can not get approval for purchase.  The old “CYA” policy!

** [Special note:  in January 2010 American Camping Association put the following revised accreditation standard into place for all camps except non-medical religious camps (camps where participants by religion do not allow modern medical intervention or treatment such as the Christian Science Church). Standard HW-17 now states: Does the camp have access to an AED (automated external defibrillator) available to the majority

Think Safe Camp Responder Bag (FV845) with Rugged AED

of the camp population, within the timeframe recommended by authoritative sources, and managed by trained personnel? The AED may be located on the camp property or available through another provider. ]

Think Safe can help your organization with AED funding and placement assistance:  AED grants.  Contact our AED GRANT DEPARMENT at grants@think-safe.com for more information and best pricing or match funding for your AED purchase needs.

Contact our industry experts at 888-473-1777 for our special CAMP AED PACKAGE or funding/grant assistance!