Saving young hearts: AED placement strategies for K-12 schools

2-minute read

Protecting every student, every day

Sudden cardiac arrest impacts people of all ages, and each year, 7,000 children and teens are affected.¹ While the focus is often on student-athletes, research shows that sudden cardiac arrest is more common among non-athlete students in school settings.²

Strategic AED placement can help save lives

Positioning automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in strategic locations throughout schools can significantly increase the survival chances of those struck by sudden cardiac arrest. In fact, schools equipped with AEDs have a survival rate of about 70% for students experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, which is significantly higher than the general survival rate for school-age children.³ Early defibrillation is crucial, and studies reveal that it can dramatically improve survival rates.⁴

The clock is ticking and every minute counts

The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes the importance of a swift response, stating that AED programs should aim to deliver a shock within three to five minutes of collapse.⁵ Schools should use a three-minute response time to determine the number and placement of AEDs. AEDs should be accessible in targeted key areas⁶ such as gyms, cafeterias, main offices, nurse's offices and main hallways. Practicing response times and accounting for obstacles like stairs and crowded hallways can help ensure optimal placement.

Legislative support: Tennessee's new law

In support of these critical measures, Tennessee recently passed a law requiring all high schools to keep an automated external defibrillator available during classes, athletic practices and games. According to the statute, any public school with grades nine through twelve must set, review and rehearse an emergency plan to be ready when students have a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening injury. The law also mandates that school personnel, both on and off the field, receive training in CPR and the use of AEDs. These requirements are championed by the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which includes the NFL and other major sports leagues and health advocacy groups, aiming to prevent high school students from dying of sudden cardiac arrests. The coalition hopes these measures will be adopted nationwide.⁷

Additional placement considerations

• Follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommendation of placing AED handles no higher than 48 inches.⁸
• Avoid locking AEDs away or placing them out of sight.⁸
• Ensure AEDs are near phones for quick 911 calls.⁸
• Maintain clear paths to AEDs, avoiding locations that are hard to reach during emergencies.⁸

Raising awareness and preparedness

It's crucial for everyone in the school community to know the locations of AEDs. The AHA recommends increasing awareness by publicizing AED locations, involving everyone in training, and regularly reminding students, staff and visitors.⁹

By strategically placing AEDs and ensuring everyone is informed and prepared, schools can help make a life-saving difference when it matters most.