With initiatives to roll out defibrillators in schools, there has been a significant debate about whether they are needed or not. Defibrillators are essential equipment for dealing with cardiac incidents and can be the difference between life and death for any potential patient. With thousands of cases of sudden cardiac arrest occurring every year, less than 10% survive, and of those that do, having access to a defibrillator within minutes of the incident is a key factor.
Schools are first and foremost educational facilities, but to allow children to achieve their full potential, that facility must inspire them, allow them to feel safe and provide everything they need. On the surface, it can be easy to think that healthcare in a school would not require advanced equipment to ensure that safety but let’s look at the statistics.
Heart problems in students
More young athletes die as a result of sudden cardiac arrest than of any other health issue, while thousands of young people are likely to have undiagnosed cardiac issues, as many as 1 in 300 of the population. Of course, while the focus is on the students, schools also have a range of other people in attendance, from teachers to support staff and visitors.
With undiagnosed heart conditions so numerous, there is always a possibility of someone at the school suffering from sudden cardiac arrest or similar issues, and when they do, time is of the essence. The faster the treatment, the more likely the patient is to survive. A delay of minutes can make all the difference, so it makes sense to have the equipment to hand at a school, where so many people spend so much time.
Help for all
Schools do not exist in isolation either, they are part of the community they serve. Having a defibrillator in school could make a difference in treating someone nearby, providing the essential solution in a much faster time than the emergency services. We can never have too many options when it comes to saving lives, and a school with a defibrillator means one more chance of helping someone, whether a student, teacher, visitor or passer-by.
Ready for every situation
If the worst happens and a student does suffer a cardiac problem, for teachers and fellow students, the worst possible situation is having no way of helping. A school defibrillator gives the patient a chance, it has been proven to be a key component of survival. When the alternative is the emotional trauma of the helplessness of watching a student or school worker die, having the defibrillator at school is also useful for those dealing with the incident, allowing them to take a proactive role in treatment.
With no downside to the initiative, and the potential of saving lives in and around the school, having a defibrillator at every school should be the norm. With a group of staff taking training and the system ready to use, it could make a difference and save lives.
If you would like to learn about an effective online alternative provision that treats safeguarding as its highest priority, then visit EDClass. You can call the team on 01909 568338, send an email to mail@edclass.com or book directly a free online demonstration by clicking here.
