First Voice EID upgrades NOW AVAILABLE!

Talking First Aid Book / First Aid Calculator

ECC / AHA & National First Aid Science Upgrades were released in late 2010.  For more information on this see our blog post from October:

http://thinksafe.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/the-2010-guidelines-for-cpr%E2%80%A6/

Think Safe’s First Voice EID is ready for CPR/First Aid upgrades to be sent to you, our dealers and customers!

Part No. DC01: The $29 upgrade is sent in a datacard and can be easily inserted/changed by following the user instructions sent with the upgrade.  

Dealers please contact us for further information on how to provide your customers easy upgrades (email:mmaly@think-safe.com).

The First Voice EID is the only Emergency Instruction Device / Talking First Aid Book / First Aid Calculator on the market for business use, containing all first aid & CPR AHA manual current protocols.  The device is easy to upgrade through an accessible dataport on the back of the device as first aid & CPR protocols do change every 3-5 years through scientific studies and advances in first aid / CPR science.

2010 updates implemented in 2011 on the EID protocols include:  CPR updates to include compression depth & C-A-B changes for trained rescuers and hands only CPR for untrained rescuers, education & recognition of gasping vs. normal breathing, and advised AED use for infants.  First Aid updates include additional heat stroke advice, jellyfish sting updated care,  clarification on aspirin use for heart attack symptoms, both US and Canadian Poison Control contact information, bleeding wound care updates (elevation, pressure points, tourniquet, compression bandage use), additional information on when to suspect head, neck or spinal injuries, and snakebite first aid care updates.

Please contact us today for your upgrade:

(email:pwickham@think-safe.com or 888/473/1777)

SafetyMate Trade-in: $50 Value!

Or, if you have an outdated SafetyMate model

NOW is the time to upgrade to First Voice:

$50 REBATE on ANY SafetyMate exchanged

& First Voice EID (AVU5001) ordered!

Expires:  3/31/2011

What are the reoccurring budget items for my AED program?

There are 5 potential budget items that affect your AED program.  Note that any non-compliance, where necessary, leads to a break down in your AED program and does open you to potential for legalities.  Once you have an AED program, remember to budget for these items where applicable!

1)       Electrode Pads – The majority of the AED models on the market have a 2 year electrode pad life.  The date of the expiration is clearly marked on the pad package, an example is shown on this posting for the Philips FRx Rugged AED.  Some AED models do have 3.5 yr expiry dates up to 5 yr expiry dates, however. Dates vary due to packaging mechanisms but be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines and expiration dates provided.  The electrode pads will dry out and prevent proper AED functioning/use if they are not replaced as needed.  Pads range in price from $35-$120, depending on make and model owned.

2)       Batteries – The majority of the AED models on the market have a 3-5 year warranty and lifespan.  The date of the expiration is also clearly marked on the battery.  Various models will warranty the devices for xx years AFTER initial install so be sure to clearly mark your records on WHEN you install the battery for these models.  Also, the HeartSine Samaritan and Physio Conrol / Medtronic CR Plus Lifepak or Lifepak Express models have a combo pack you purchase with battery/pads being replaced simultaneously.  Defibtech / Cintas does sell a model that has a suggested annual replacement of an off-shelf 9V battery (this ensures their AED performs proper self-testing).  AED batteries range in price from $75-$400, depending on make and model owned.

3)       Training – AED acquirer state laws many times dictate that you have to ensure expected users are trained in American Heart or Red Cross or equal CPR & AED certified courses (American Safety & Health Institute, Medic First, Health & Safety Institute, Emergency Care & Safety Institute, American Health Association, etc).  These certifications range depending on which training org you use but every 1-2 years the certification expires and needs to be renewed.  Courses can be obtained locally at Red Cross locations or through the American Heart Association network but also there are over 100,000 instructor throughout the US alone and there are local training centers that can provide a competitive price for CPR & AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen or Universal Precautions plus other more advanced or supplemental add-on training classes.  Various online solutions are also available.  Think Safe has a listing of US training centers and online solutions; contact us at or info@think-safe.com if you would like to contact a local trainer in your area.

4)       Program Manager Software / Database – AED acquirer state laws many times also dictate that the AED has to be maintained to manufacturer and industry standards.  This standard generally a 30 day check.  Many companies have their own database solution for ensuring equipment is checked regularly and records of these checks are kept on file (big companies).  If you do not, there are online solutions that are inexpensive but key in helping to not only auto-notify your AEDs are checked to standards but also the log and records of all AEDs are filed and backed up regularly for legal protection.  A nice comprehensive  UNLIMITED user solution at $25-$50/location (customer) can be seen here, showing it’s full capabilities:  http://www.firstvoice.us/FirstVoiceAEDManagerVideo/tabid/751/Default.aspx

5)       Medical Oversight – AED acquirer state laws in approximately 20 states requires a licensed physician or “certified healthcare provider” to oversee the AED program.  This is NOT an Rx!  Proper Medical Oversight includes sign-off by the appropriate license owner referred to in that state law on:  AED/CPR training of the organization (who is trained, how often, what they are trained on); AED placement and markings; AED communication; AED policy; AED maintenance & upkeep procedures.  Contact Think Safe at if you are not sure if your state requires medical oversight.  Medical Oversight costs anywhere from $75/AED to $350/AED or some companies chose to hire medical direction and pay a retainer annually.  Think Safe has a national network of medical directors and can provide a quote for efficient medical oversight for your organization, charging you for locations ONLY where mandates require it. In some cases, we can connect you with a local FREE source for medical oversight.  Call for more details.  AED distributors/dealers are encouraged to call as well.

Think Safe [VIEW OUR BIO] is a certified Women-Owned Business (WBENC) providing first aid & defibrillator expertise to clients since 2004. Known for technical assistance to customers on: [State AED acquirer laws] [AED funding sources and grants] [AED program management solutions] including [Medical Oversight] [& Online AED database / record-keeping compliance software].

References available or drop us a line  [888.473.1777]

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)

The 2010 guidelines for CPR….

The American Heart Association (AHA) on October 18, 2010 has unveiled its new guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which aim to improve rescue time and make the process easier. The “2010 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care” went online on October 18, 2010 in AHA’s publication, Circulation (http://circ.ahajournals.org/).

No worries, your First Voice manufactured equipment is not obsolete! All First Voice manufactured products and software are fully upgradeable.

Think Safe will work diligently to update our First Voice audio and text prompts, instruction manuals, and any other materials for the 2010 CPR guideline updates.  It will take all major training organizations 6-9 months to release updated training materials to instructors.  All First Voice modifications and updates will be available before December 31, 2010 and we will post updates on our blog and provide email notifications of any upgrade completions and how to notify your customers for their upgrade.

What are the changes in CPR?  Here is a summary of the CPR updates to help you understand differences in protocol and new training requirements.

Starting CPR with chest compressions helps save lives

Emphasizing that every second counts, the new guidelines recommend that instead of first opening an unconscious person’s airway and breathing into his mouth, rescuers—whether onlookers or emergency experts—should initiate chest compressions immediately to revive victims of a sudden cardiac arrest.

The stress on the primacy of chest compressions over oral resuscitation led the AHA to revise the standard CPR procedure from the familiar ABC (Airway-Breathing-Compressions) to CAB (Compressions-Airway-Breathing).

“For more than 40 years, CPR training has emphasized the ABCs of CPR, which instructed people to open a victim’s airway by tilting their head back, pinching the nose and breathing into the victim’s mouth, and only then giving chest compressions,” Michael Sayre, M.D., co-author of the guidelines and chairman of the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, said in an AHA press release. “This approach was causing significant delays in starting chest compressions, which are essential for keeping oxygen-rich blood circulating through the body. Changing the sequence from A-B-C to C-A-B for adults and children allows all rescuers to begin chest compressions right away.”

C-A-B takes into account that, in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, some amount of oxygen remains in the lungs and bloodstream of the patient. Chest compressions can pump that blood to the victim’s brain and heart sooner. In contrast, the traditional “old” A-B-C method delays the start of chest compressions; the rescuer has to tilt the victim’s head to open up the airway and apply breaths to commence mouth-to-mouth.

Giving initial chest compressions was found to trim off 30 critical seconds in rescue time and potentially helps save the patient’s life.

Hands On

A couple years ago, the American Heart Association recommended that untrained bystanders use hands-only CPR for an adult victim who suddenly collapses. The new guidelines make this the official policy and include health-care professionals as well. The process also applies for children and infants but excludes newborns.

The AHA hopes that with the updated rules, more people will volunteer to help a heart attack victim. Experts have noted the reluctance of passersby to give aid out of panic, uncertainty about their lifesaving skills, and squeamishness of mouth-to-mouth breathing. With hands-only CPR, the steps are streamlined: Call 911 and push hard and fast on the center of the chest until help arrives.

NEW Guidelines Summary

Here are the new 2010 guidelines from the AHA:

1. Before starting, shake the victim’s shoulders and shout to get his reaction. If the victim is unresponsive, call 911, which should now instruct callers by phone to start chest compressions when cardiac arrest is suspected.

2. Removal of “look, listen, and feel for breathing” from the sequence.  Instead, Begin chest compressions. At least 100 per minute from the previous instruction of close to 100. Compressions must also be strong enough to depress the chest by at least 2 inches in adults and 1.5 inches in infants. This will allow blood and oxygen to keep flowing to the brain until medics arrive.

3. Make sure to fully release the chest before beginning the next compression. Avoid leaning on the victim’s chest so it can return to the starting position.

4. For rescuers with no CPR training, continue chest compressions until help comes.

5. For trained health professionals, open the airway after 30 chest compressions and begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. Give two breaths and then resume chest compressions. Continue sets of 30 chest compressions and two breaths until help arrives.

The last resuscitation guidelines were publicized in 2005. For more information on the new rules, check out the heart association’s video “2010 Guidelines for CPR” on YouTube.

There are devices, like the First Voice Emergency Instruction Device (EID) that provide instruction via audio and text for emergencies including CPR – from scene safety to assessment to administration of chest compressions and breaths (if appropriate) to proper PPE for rescuers and cleanup.  The First Voice EID retails at $249US and is available from safety and first aid dealers nationally.  Visit www.firstvoice.us for more information or:

http://www.firstvoice.us/Products/EmergencyInstructionDevice/tabid/285/Default.aspx

Various Think Safe EID brands/models can be purchased in over 6 languages and with US or European protocols (compliant with all major training organizations and easily updateable via datacard replacement ports).  Please contact us for full details on model/part numbers and language configurations at or email us at info@think-safe.com for more information.  Think Safe – Making Minutes Matter and saving more lives with effective CPR and CPR Training!

Sources:Circulation (http://circ.ahajournals.org/)

New Emergency Instruction Device (EID) launches in Europe

Think Safe is proud to write about our 2010 European EID that is now available in Dutch and European English.  For Please see:  http://bit.ly/RescueMate for full details.

European EID - RescueMate

This EID has everything you need and is European & ECC compliant:
- first aid, AED and CPR training and emergency use
- fire training
- evacuation training
- communication training

A full occupational health tool for any workplace or organization!

For more details on how to distribute this product please email us at info@think-safe.com or info@aedsolutions.eu

COMING SOON!  German and French languages

AEDs: Use by Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Healthcare Providers

Just what is the standard or duty to provide care of healthcare, long-term care or elderly care providers for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)?

From my consistent research and study of the AED industry, the standard appears to be that many nursing homes, elderly housing complexes or assisted living facilities still do not have an AED policy or program.   In 2007 a summary study within the industry showed:

http://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610%2807%2900207-1/abstract

Contrarily, here is an Ohio-based midwest article on AEDs & some facilities who have decided to implement AED programs:  http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/358076/many_nursing_homes_lack_device_to_restart_heart_portable_defibrillators/

Now, not taken into consideration is the question regarding “duty to provide care” – and what is really the up-to-date 2010 standard to provide care as it relates to AEDs or CPR in these facilities?

*  Are there any industry mandates taking place? What is the healthcare industry doing about AEDs?

*  What are the trends for DNR orders or Attempted CPR- are the number of DNR orders going up or down as a % of population being admitted to healthcare facilities?  Should nursing homes or long-term care facilities have solid AED programs in place due to a decreasing % of DNR orders and more patient preferences to attempt CPR?

In January 2010 there was a great article I read that showed how UCLA is implementing AED programs across their system, due to the improvement in SCA survival they offer. UCLA Article

Nursing Studies Show AEDs improve SCA response times (this is an additional Nurse.com article on SCA & AEDs in the industry)

I have also read many articles/studies in recent years on in-hospital SCA survival versus out-of-hospital survival and perhaps UCLA is trying to improve SCA survival and change the statistics, which show IN-HOSPITAL survival is lower than OUT-OF-HOSPITAL per many studies.  The above link shows the obstacles facing nurses and staff and why AEDs may be a welcome addition to healthcare facilities.

Regarding long-term and elderly facility industry practices such as DNR advanced directives

Paula Wickham, AED Industry Expert

are followed.  But, methods for identifying CPR status need improvement to enable accurate identification and prompt resuscitation of residents who want CPR:

http://www.gnjournal.com/article/S0197-4572%2898%2990117-3/abstract

It is known that ACPR is infrequently performed in long-term care setting and is rarely successful (successful being defined as admission to the hospital alive).  Survival (defined as discharge from the hospital) is also rare but survival does occur though. All nursing homes are not required to offer ACPR and many nursing homes in the United States, as well as in other parts of the world, do not offer ACPR.

In my assessment from my research, agencies such as the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law & Aging show that about two-thirds (2/3) of the adult population does not have an advanced directive or DNR.  I could not find any recent studies to answer my DNR questions on DNR preferences.

Recent mandates or pending mandates and “encouraged use” Bills have passed in recent years in the following states that are for assisted living facilities or long-term and medical facilities:  Texas, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Florida and others.

Perhaps it will some day become an expectation for all long-term facilities to have an AED and perform CPR but for now, it appears that each facility has to make their own decision but for sure they should consider their state’s legislation or pending legislation as it affects licensing for their facility.

One exerpt of a study states, “Surveys have shown that many elderly in different parts of the world want to be resuscitated, but may lack knowledge about the specifics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Data from countries other than the US is limited, but differences in physician and patient opinions by nationality regarding CPR do exist.”  In the essence of observing the opinions of those elderly that do want to be resuscitated – perhaps there will be some marketing advantage to employ by organizations that implement AED programs.

This article was written by Paula Wickham, President of Think Safe and AED industry expert.  Think Safe has an entire staff of technical experts for AED bills, laws and mandates.  If you would like more information on AED mandates or pending mandates for your long-term or elderly care facility, you may reach us at 888-473-1777 or by emailing info@think-safe.com and requesting a copy or link to your state’s requirements.

Why do we need AEDs at work or in public areas?

Why are AEDs being mandated and required or “expected” as a standard of care in many places?

We are talking about the nation’s leading killer; killing more people than strokes, AIDS and breast cancer in the US annually.  Each year, more than 300,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside of a hospital. SCA affects people of all ages and with many types of heart problems, but occurs most commonly in adults with coronary artery disease, and so it will only become more common as America 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 and persons trained in using AEDs and performing CPR to provide this life-saving treatment, resulting in lost opportunities to save more lives. Tragically, 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. Making AEDs more available to lay responders trained in their use saves lives; remember that these are proven to be easy to use and fail-proof FDA approved public use devices.

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. Besides traffic, consider the time needed to make it through building security or in a crowded shopping mall with multiple escalators and all the way to a victim, for example.

“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 facility manager, HR manager or a safety, EHS 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!

If you would like to see examples of current AED case law and how settlements and lawsuits have fallen, please contact our AED LAW experts at info@think-safe.com or 888-473-1777.

Products to consider sold by Think Safe to help your organization with AED funding and placement assistance:  AED grants or AED brands and models available.  Contact our AED GRANT DEPARMENT at grants@think-safe.com for more information and best pricing or match funding on the market for your AED funding solutions.

Wisconsin man’s life saved by his co-workers

It was just another day for a 49-year-old Scoutmaster from Chippewa Falls, WI, starting his shift at 11 am. Claude Carpenter has been working at TTM Technologies for three years.

At 12:30 pm Carpenter was experiencing what he thought was heartburn from spicy jambalaya the night before, he was hoping that the knot in his chest would go away, which it did – only to collapse of a heart attack. Now his life lay in the hands of co-workers he hardly knew.

Claude Carpenter with his rescuers.

Three people came to his rescue, Rick Steinmetz was one of them. Steinmetz had trained in CPR, “But it’s been 10 years,” he said. So he called to the front desk to request help from the First Responder team. Tim Black got the text and was about 200 feet from Carpenter. Other than TTM’s First Responder team training, he had trained through the Fire Department.

But training doesn’t mean you still aren’t shocked to see a co-worker you had just met a week before now having a heart attack.

Another TTM First Responder, Howard Ressler, arrived to help, bringing the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with him.

“The unit told us to shock,” Black said about the AED, which diagnoses what is happening and gives recorded instructions. “After the shock, we started CPR.”

Carpenter came to and was loaded into the ambulance – remembering nothing of the incident. “The next thing I know, I woke up at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” he said. Carpenter has a certificate for completing CPR training. But he never expected to rely on others to know how to do it. “Never in my wildest dreams did I figure I would be the one they would be using it on,” he said.

Carpenter came out of the experience thinking all businesses should have an AED. “These things should be in every business place,” he said of the units.

Ressler said TTM is buying two more AEDs, so the machines can be spaced out throughout the Chippewa Falls plant.

If you want information on incorporating an AED program into your facility or workplace, contact our AED Experts today, or give us a call us at 888.473.1777.

Source, by Rod Stetzer

5 Steps to Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers

If you are a caregiver you understand the demanding, and sometimes intimidating, responsibility you have. It’s amplified when you know there’s a chance that the person you are caring for may one day face a medical emergency. There are things you can do to be prepared for those situations in advance, and know precisely what you will have to do and have on-hand.

5 Basics Steps to Emergency Preparedness

1. Take a CPR class. CPR can be used to revive someone whose heart has stopped beating or who has stopped breathing. A CPR class helps you understand the ABCs of emergency response: A (airway), B (breathing), and C (circulation). Check out Think Safe’s certified online training.

2. Learn the Heimlich maneuver. CPR training also involves learning the Heimlich maneuver — how to clear someone’s airway in the event a foreign object or food becomes lodged in the throat. Attempting the Heimlich maneuver without proper training can injure your loved one.

The multi-dimensional first aid kit. The First Voice: First Aid Cube.

3. Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit. Thoroughly read the manual as soon as you buy your first aid kit and check monthly to make certain you have adequate supplies (make sure to replace any items that may have expired). Keep a second first aid kit in your car; keep both out of the reach of children.

4. Create a medical provider list and keep copies handy. Have all doctors’ numbers in a convenient place. Put one copy of the list in your purse or wallet and one on the refrigerator. Included on your list should be all medications, other health facts and conditions. Another important part of the list is your ICE list, or In Case of Emergency list. These are family members or friends that need to be notified in an emergency, or would be able to watch children or pets if an emergency pulls you out of the home.

5. Buy an automatic blood pressure cuff. Available at any local drug store; learn how to use it and practice using it regularly. Take it with you to your doctor’s appointments to check its accuracy against the physician’s blood pressure monitor and to ensure you are using it correctly.

What steps are you taking to be prepared for the unexpected? Spending a tiny bit of time preparing can save the life of a loved one.

*Source: Linda Foster, MA at CarePages

Proven Effective! AEDs in Schools Save Lives

The following is from AEDs in School Prove Effective at MedPage Today by Todd Neale on the importance and effectiveness of having AEDs at every school.

In a survey of high schools that had an AED program and had had a cardiac arrest within the preceding six months, 64% of cases — students and nonstudents alike — survived to hospital discharge, according to Jonathan Drezner, MD, of the University of Washington in Seattle, and colleagues.

Most of the schools (83.5%) had an emergency action plan in place for responding to sudden cardiac arrest, the researchers reported online in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

More than 92% of individuals suffering an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive to hospital discharge, and survival declines 7% to 10% for each minute defibrillation is delayed, according to Dr. Drezner and colleagues.

One study found that survival after exercise-related cardiac arrest in particular was only 11%.

Responding to the low survival rate, many schools have implemented AED programs and emergency response plans for sudden cardiac arrest.

However, it had remained unclear how effective early defibrillation was for treating cardiac arrest among student-athletes and others in schools.

To explore the issue, Dr. Drezner and colleagues identified 1,710 U.S. high schools that had at least one AED using the National Registry for AED Use in Sports.

According to a survey completed by school representatives, 83.5% of the schools had an established emergency action plan for sudden cardiac arrest; 60% of those with a plan developed it in collaboration with local EMS.

However, only 40% practiced and reviewed the plans at least once a year, and only 18% posted a written emergency plan at each athletic venue.

Of the respondents, 2.1% of the schools had had a sudden cardiac arrest occur on premises within the preceding six months.

Almost all (97%) were witnessed, 94% received CPR from a bystander, and 83% received an AED shock.

The average time from arrest to first shock was 3.6 minutes for students (mean age 16) and 1.8 minutes for nonstudents, including teachers, coaches, visitors, and other adults (mean age 57).

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of cases survived to hospital discharge, including nine of 14 student-athletes and 14 of 22 nonstudents.

“Although some deficiencies in emergency response planning were identified, a high survival rate for both student athletes and older nonstudents with sudden cardiac arrest was reported in high schools with on-site AED programs,” the researchers said.

“The need for ongoing CPR training, fully developed and executed emergency plans, and links to EMS are vital to the immediate and long-term outcomes of shock delivery,” Dianne Atkins, MD, of the University of Iowa in Iowa City said.

“The tragic death of an adolescent has a profound effect on the community, and the desire to protect this population may outweigh financial considerations,” she said.

Dr. Drezner and colleagues acknowledged some limitations of the study, including the low response rate (11%), the inclusion of schools that already had AED programs, the use of self-reported data, and the possibility that some cases of sudden cardiac arrest may have been missed.

For information on Think Safe’s AED solutions contact our AED Expert James Moroney.