Notes About Health

Sudden cardiac arrest in school-aged children is not an everyday occurrence nor is it as likely as in other age groups in the community. However it does happen and when it does it is quick and without warning. Not to mention the high mortality rates when there is not the proper treatment soon enough. This is an event that is very preventable with the proper equipment on hand.

The initial few minutes after a heart attack are crucial to survival rates and medical help can take time to arrive, when they do, it could be too late. All school districts should have access to several Zoll AED Plus to prevent these rare but horrible tragedies.

A sudden cardiac arrest happens when the electrical pulses that regulate the heart are disrupted. The flow of blood throughout the body is stopped, this is called being clinically dead and without proper intervention fast this will be a permanent state. Many times, there simply is not enough time between sudden on set and EMT arrival to prevent death from occurring. Survival rate of a patient with sudden cardiac arrest is less than ten percent without urgent help. The type of assistance needed is a Zoll AED Plus, having one of these available can save the life of a heart attack victim and all schools should have them.

Many different types of congenital heart diseases and defects contribute to SCA in children, especially after athletic training or other heavy activity. Any student athlete parent should insist that there be a Zoll AED Plus available for both practice and athletic events. Not only for the safety of their children but for the protection of all athletes present. Heart attacks can also occur from the combination of hard physical activity and sudden growth. For the health and protection of your children, insist that the school has this valuable equipment.

The implementation of an Zoll AED Plus program also affords many educational opportunities. The staff of course must learn the proper use of the equipment but it can also be taught to the students. This instruction could be invaluable in the case of an emergency; students who are prepared and educated could save a life.

Think about how important your child’s safety and well-being is to you. The next time you are gathered with other parents, voice your concerns and bring up the idea of an Zoll AED Plus for your school. When the next PTA meeting comes around you can approach the administration with your ideas. This is an important piece of medical equipment that all schools should have access to. There is nothing worse than losing a child especially if it is preventable.