As the new school year begins, students are at risk of experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency outside of their home country.
Last week, a student at Marshall Middle School died after a medical emergency. School officials said the student became unconscious on the gym floor and later died.
SEE ALSO: Houston ISD says student who suffered a medical emergency at Marshall Middle School has died
If you were near a person in distress, would you know where to find an AED and how to use it?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an important part of emergency preparedness, especially in places where large groups of people gather, such as schools.
In Texas in particular, legislation has been introduced requiring the presence of AEDs on school premises, emphasizing the importance of rapid response in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
The Texas Education Code (Section 38.017 and Chapter 779) requires every school district and open enrollment charter school to ensure that an AED is readily available on each campus. This code aims to protect students, staff, and visitors by ensuring immediate access to life-saving equipment.
AEDs are portable devices used to treat patients with sudden cardiac arrest. They are easy to use and have voice prompts and visual aids that guide even untrained individuals through the process of delivering a shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
VIDEO: Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an emergency
It has been reported that a person’s chance of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation by an AED.
In addition to providing AEDs on-site, Texas law requires schools to conduct regular training for staff and students. This training is important to familiarize the school community with how AEDs work and to ensure a quick and efficient response in the event of an emergency. The law also requires maintenance checks to ensure that the devices are functional and ready for use at all times.
Gail Gould, a Houston CPR and safety expert, spoke to KPRC 2 about the proper use of an AED.
“The first thing you should do is turn it on and press the power button. Then it should light up and tell you the battery is working properly. The power should be on and you should make sure the AED has pads that are not expired. You should get a pair of medical scissors because every time you use an AED you have to cut open the person’s shirts and cut open the woman’s bra,” Gould said. “Schools in Texas are required to have AEDs. They have to have staff trained in the use of the AED. They have to have an action plan for using the AED and finally they have to check it once a month.”
The introduction of AEDs in Texas schools is a proactive step to improve safety and preparedness. By equipping educational institutions with these important devices and providing the necessary training, the state aims to create a safer environment where immediate medical intervention can save lives.
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