School AED programs that work in the real world: you can start your own AED program. Just follow the lead of these people who've done it - leading by example

School Administrator, Oct, 2003 by Keith Griffiths

To Carmany, education and funding are inextricably linked. One of her districts made the decision to budget for AEDs after an athlete in a neighboring county died from sudden cardiac arrest. "They said, 'Hey, guys, this 15-year-old track runner fell over dead ... it could happen at our school next.' They made the program a priority and didn't wait for grants or bake sales to get started." The reality of a death took it from a "nice to have" to a "need to have," she says, especially once they understood that even the fastest paramedics may not arrive in time to make a difference. Her advice to other districts: If you know an intersection is dangerous, don't wait until after a child is killed to put up a stop sign.

Building a Culture of Community

Both Everett's Robinson and Drewel tout additional benefits of training students in AED use. "This is hands-on, very tangible," says Drewel. "It's a classic exam pie of a student taking control, being responsible and being empowered." They learn the value of altruism, she says. "We're teaching a whole new generation about giving back to their community." Adds Robinson: "One student commented about the world today and how much better it makes him feel to know he has the capability to save a life."

Superintendent Whitehead explains another part of the lure: "Kids like the technology, the drama." Student surveys and comments from students interviewed for this story made it clear that AED training is the most popular part of health class.

"This program adds to the overall wealth of the community," concludes Principal Sullivan. "It makes it a safer, and richer, place to live."

Dollars for Defibrillators

Finding funds for AEDs for your school may be easier than you think. Several programs, listed below, specifically provide grants and other funding resources that can be used for school AED programs. In addition, several states (such as Pennsylvania and Illinois) have provided funding for school AED programs, and New Jersey and several others are considering such legislation.

Often, students themselves take on the challenge: Matt Strauss (see page 12) approached St. Margaret's Hospital Foundation in Pittsburgh and easily secured funding for two AEDs for his high school. Students at Cedar Crest High School, in a small farming community near Seattle, were able to place an AED at the school through a fundraising drive that began with contributions of $100 each from 14 teachers. Training was provided free by the local fire department, and AED program champion Alidene Doherty, R.N., from the University of Washington, volunteered to provide guidance on policies, procedures and maintenance. Students at Windsor (Colo.) High School decided to use the proceeds from "Change Day"--when the entire student body empties its collective pockets for a charitable cause--to buy two AEDs after a classmate suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

If the thought of securing funding for your school's AED program seems overwhelming, it's good to know that those who have found it say it doesn't require a monumental effort. All that's needed is patience, persistence and passion for a noble cause.