AEDS in Schools: What You Need to Know

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Young girl at school

AEDS in Schools: What You Need to Know

In our previous blog Back to School Safety 2017 we touched on the importance of adequate first aid supplies within sporting facilities, which included Automated External Defibrillators. Because having an AED onsite can mean the difference between life and death we felt it was important to go into detail of the value of having a defibrillator onsite within schools.

Age Isn’t a Factor

There is a common misconception when it comes to cardiac arrest, often people believe it can only occur in aging or unhealthy adults, when quite commonly children can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest.

Often when cardiac arrest occurs in children it is related to a heart condition that had not yet been recognized or diagnosed, so a seemingly healthy and active child can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. It is estimated that 5,000-7,000 children die from SCA each year. In addition to children, adults working in schools may also be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack, making an automated external defibrillator a very important piece of first aid equipment to have onsite.

If you are unaware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, click here to check out a previous blog.

Easy Operation

A common misconception about Automated External Defibrillators is that they are difficult to use, when in fact they are easy enough for a third grader to operate without having had previous training. The Onsite model of the Philips HeartStart Automated External Defibrillator provides step-by-step voice commands to instruct the individual using the device how to operate it in the case of an emergency. 

Easy Maintenance

Being an intellegent form of technology, many people misconceive that a defibrillator is hard to manage and maintain, when in fact it has been designed to not only be easy to use, but also easy to care for. The device automatically runs daily self tests to check the internal circuitry, waveform delivery system, pads cartridge, and battery capacity. The blinking green “Ready” light indicates the Onsite AED has passed its daily self test and is ready for use and when maintainance is needed an audible “chirp” will sound to identify attention needed.

In conclusion Automated External Defibrillators are highly reccomended within schools as both children and adults can benefit from them. It is important to be prepared in public places and an AED onsite can mean the difference between life and death. For more information on the Philips HeartStart Onsite Automated External Defibrillator, please click here

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Child on monkey bars

Back to School Safety 2017

It’s that time of year again!

Back to school can be both one of the busiest and exciting times of the year. With all of the new impressions in the forms of people and the seasons beginning to change it is important to never forget both preparedness and safety.

The First Aid Canada Team has put together a few simple safety tips this Fall to keep you and your loved ones prepared!

Look Both Ways

If you or your loved ones are walking to school or work this year it is important to not disregard the standard safety rules as a pedestrian. Although pedestrians have the right of the way, drivers on the road can be unpredictable. Keep yourself safe by keeping your eyes and ears open and alert before venturing onto the road.

Don’t Take Rides From Strangers

Take the time to remind your family not to take rides from anyone they do not know. Some schools have safe after school pick up programs which ensure each child is picked up by a parent or guardian, but for those that don’t, stay alert and stay safe. An additional tip is to provide your child with a sheet of information within their backpack of family members’ names and contact information in case of emergency. 

Sunscreen

During the month of September certain areas of Canada may still experience hot weather. Keep up to date with the local forecast of your area and be sure to put on sunscreen if the UV rays are out. Whether it be recess, lunch breaks or after school activities, it is important to shield yourself and/or your children properly from the sun’s harmful rays. First Aid Canada is pleased to offer Croc Bloc sunscreen which is available in both bottle and towlette form for convenience:

Croc Bloc Sunscreen – SPF 30

Croc Bloc Sunscreen Sachets – 30 SPF

For additional sun safety tips, check out one of our recent blog posts: Summer Heat and Sun Safety

First Aid Kits

Does your child know where the First Aid Kit is located in your home? How about their school? Be sure you, as a parent are educating them on this important topic, as well as their teacher. This is also a great time to check on the contents of your First Aid Kit; are there items needing replacement or replenishment? Could you use more bandages or gauze? All of these items and more are available on the First Aid Canada website and can be shipped directly to your door. 

For supplies, click here.

AEDs

Unfortunately, cardiac arrest can happen at any age, at any time. Take the time to educate yourself and your loved ones on both the Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest, as well as what an Automated External Deribrillator looks like. If your child’s school has an AED onsite, be sure to inform and show them where it is located and if their school does not yet have one, inquire within. AEDs are extremely important for public areas, as they can mean the difference between life and death. If you are unaware of the importance, check out our previous blog on The Importance of AEDs in Schools. Fundraising can be a great way to save for an Automated External Defibrillator and The First Aid Canada Team has also put a blog together on 4 Ways to Fundraise for an AED – Get inspired now!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.