Outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest in US high schools: a 2-year prospective study from the National Registry for AED Use in Sports

2013 ◽  
Vol 47 (18) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan A Drezner ◽  
Brett G Toresdahl ◽  
Ashwin L Rao ◽  
Ella Huszti ◽  
Kimberly G Harmon
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽  
National Registry

scholarly journals High School Automated External Defibrillator Programs as Markers of Emergency Preparedness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett G. Toresdahl ◽  
Kimberly G. Harmon ◽  
Jonathan A. Drezner
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Emergency Planning ◽  
Automated External Defibrillator ◽  
School Based ◽  
External Defibrillator

Context: School-based automated external defibrillator (AED) programs have demonstrated a high survival rate for individuals suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in US high schools. Objective: To examine the relationship between high schools having an AED on campus and other measures of emergency preparedness for SCA. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: United States high schools, December 2006 to September 2009. Patients or Other Participants: Principals, athletic directors, school nurses, and certified athletic trainers represented 3371 high schools. Main Outcome Measure(s): Comprehensive surveys on emergency planning for SCA submitted by high school representatives to the National Registry for AED Use in Sports from December 2006 to September 2009. Schools with and without AEDs were compared to assess other elements of emergency preparedness for SCA. Results: A total of 2784 schools (82.6%) reported having 1 or more AEDs on campus, with an average of 2.8 AEDs per school; 587 schools (17.4%) had no AEDs. Schools with an enrollment of more than 500 students were more likely to have an AED (relative risk [RR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08, 1.16, P < .01). Suburban schools were more likely to have an AED than were rural (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.11, P < .01), urban (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.16, P < .01), or inner-city schools (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.23, P < .01). Schools with 1 or more AEDs were more likely to ensure access to early defibrillation (RR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.97, 3.99, P < .01), establish an emergency action plan for SCA (RR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.67, 2.00, P < .01), review the emergency action plan at least annually (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.58, 2.50, P < .01), consult emergency medical services to develop the emergency action plan (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.32, P < .01), and establish a communication system to activate emergency responders (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.08, P < .01). Conclusions: High schools with AED programs were more likely to establish a comprehensive emergency response plan for SCA. Implementing school-based AED programs is a key step associated with emergency planning for young athletes with SCA.

scholarly journals Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death: Automated External Defibrillators in Ohio High Schools

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (10) ◽  
pp. 1054-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Lear ◽  
Minh-Ha Hoang ◽  
Stephen J. Zyzanski
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Survival Rate ◽  
Public Funding ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Automated External Defibrillators ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
High School Athletic

Context Ohio passed legislation in 2004 for optional public funding of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all Ohio high schools. Objective To report occurrences of sudden cardiac arrest in which AEDs were used in Ohio high schools and to evaluate the adherence of Ohio high schools with AEDs to state law and published guidelines on AEDs and emergency action plans (EAPs) in schools. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants A total of 264 of 827 schools that were members of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Main Outcome Measure(s) We surveyed schools on AED use, AED maintenance, and EAPs. Results Twenty-five episodes of AED deployment at 22 schools over an 11-year period were reported; 8 (32%) involved students and 17 (68%) involved adults. The reported survival rate was 60% (n = 15). Most events (n = 20, 80%) in both students and adults occurred at or near athletic facilities. The annual use rate of AEDs was 0.7%. Fifty-three percent (n = 140) of schools reported having an EAP in place for episodes of cardiac arrest. Of the schools with EAPs, 57% (n = 80) reported having rehearsed them. Conclusions Our data supported the placement of AEDs in high schools given the frequency of use for sudden cardiac arrest and the survival rate reported. They also suggested the need for increased awareness of recommendations for EAPs and the need to formulate and practice EAPs. School EAPs should emphasize planning for events in the vicinity of athletic facilities.

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