AED Program 

 

Although rare, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sports related death. Read more below to familiarize yourself to some common terms and our AED program.

 

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, emergency medical services (EMS) treat about 383,000 victims of SCA before they reach the hospital. Less than 12 percent of those victims survive. SCA can happen to anyone at any time. It is important for organizations to implement AED programs so trained individuals are prepared to respond to an SCA emergency. Placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in key locations, and making sure employees are trained to use them, can mean the difference between life and death. Places such as schools are being equipped with AEDs.

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have heart disease. SCA occurs instantly or shortly after symptoms appear. Most SCAs are due to abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. A common arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation, in which the heart’s electrical impulses suddenly become chaotic and ineffective. Blood flow to the brain stops abruptly; the victim then collapses and quickly loses consciousness. Death usually follows unless a normal heart rhythm is restored within minutes.

 

AED Locations:

• Main Office (1)

• Gymnasium Closet (1)

• Softball Breezeway Stand (1)

• Baseball Concession Stand (1)

• Ice Room in Boy's PE Hallway (1)

• Weight room (1)

• Athletic Training Facility (2)

• (8 total AEDs at Paxon!!!) 

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Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

• Sudden Collapse 

• Not responsive

• Absences of breathing

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What to do in the event of SCA?

• Call 911

• Get the AED, or instruct someone else to get the AED while you start CPR.

• Continue CPR and follow the prompts of the AED until EMS arrive