Student opening locker next to a LIFEPAK CR2 defibrillator

AEDs in schools
—a lesson in saving lives

Whether a student, teacher, parent or staff member—be prepared to help save a life when sudden cardiac arrest strikes.

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AED awareness can help you experience confidence – even in a crisis

Schools and universities are buzzing with people of all ages and activities of all kinds. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike without warning, regardless of age. Did you know each minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 7-10%? That’s why immediate access to an AED can be the critical difference between life and death.¹ Help your team feel confident using an AED, and equip your schools with the knowledge and tools they need to help save lives today.

SCA is the third leading cause of death in the US²

Effective AED programs aim to ensure that a person who is in cardiac arrest receives a shock within 3 to 5 minutes after they collapse.

More than 359,000 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests (OHSCA) occur per year in the US4³

Why every K-12 school needs accessible AEDs

Four reasons every school needs AEDs

Discover four reasons why every school needs an automated external defibrillator (AED). Learn how AEDs can help save lives by providing immediate response to sudden cardiac arrests, benefiting students, staff and visitors alike. This article highlights the critical importance of having accessible AEDs in educational settings.

Why every college campus needs accessible AEDs

Discover why every college campus needs accessible automated external defibrillators (AED) to help ensure the safety of students, faculty and visitors. Learn about the importance of quick access to AEDs in helping prevent fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest.

Knowing when to use an AED: CPR and AED guidelines for sudden cardiac arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combined with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Bystanders performing CPR and prepping an AED for a sudden cardiac arrest victim

Learning AED basics: How to use a defibrillator to help save lives

Quick thinking, proper technique and access to the right equipment can make the difference between tragedy and triumph.

LIFEPAK CR2 AED mounted on a wall in a school hallway

AED buying guide

An effective AED program is a critical link in the chain of survival, empowering you to deliver lifesaving intervention even before emergency services arrive. Stryker offers diverse options to help you choose the right defibrillator for your employees and customers.

Survivor: Jordan Schoen

Jordan Schoen was only 17 when he collapsed on the basketball court. Watch to learn how the system of care saved his life and why this experience drove his family to give back to their community.

Survivor: Derrick Mosley

After going on a morning run, Derrick began to feel some chest discomfort. His wife, Melissa, a healthcare professional trained in resuscitation, quickly recognized the warning signs of a sudden cardiac arrest. Luckily, an off-duty firefighter pulled over from traffic and began assisting. Soon EMS and Fire/Rescue units arrived to apply a LUCAS.

Survivor: Bennett Hart

A rare genetic condition caused Bennett Hart’s heart to stop three times between the ages of 8 and 15. Watch how this determined student athlete overcomes every obstacle with the support of his friends and family.

Survivor: Andy Hannan

Andy was playing walking football when he collapsed on the field from a sudden cardiac arrest. Thankfully, one of his co-players, Sue, a first aid volunteer, immediately sprang to action. Watch how she saved his life with the help of the system of care.

Survivor: Esley Thorton

The most important thing to Esley Thorton is his family. Watch how they each played a role in saving his life with the help of an AED they keep in their kitchen pantry.

Pay it forward

Forward Hearts lets survivors of a sudden cardiac arrest event pay it forward and potentially save another life by donating an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the organization of the survivor's choice.

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