8452 - AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS ("AED") AND CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
An automated external defibrillator (“AED”) is a medical device that interprets the cardiac rhythm of a person in cardiac arrest and, if appropriate, delivers an electrical shock to the heart intended to allow it to resume effective electrical activity.
To enhance school safety and in compliance with State law, the Board of Education will have an automated external defibrillator(S) (AED) placed in designated building(s) within the School District and at each sports and recreation facility under the Board's control.
The Board shall require teachers, nurses, counselors, school psychologists, principals and other administrative employees, coaches, athletic trainers, and any other person who supervises interscholastic athletics to successfully complete an appropriate training course in the use of AEDs. To fulfill this requirement, the Board will use a training that is either an approved program developed by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or a program that is nationally recognized and based on the most current national, evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for CPR and use of an AED. The training will be incorporated into in-service training in child abuse, substance abuse, and violence prevention that is required upon initial employment and every five (5) years thereafter. The Board may require or make the training available to additional individuals.
Students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) will also receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“CPR”) and the use of an AED. The instruction shall include the psychomotor skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation of an AED. The training shall either be an approved program developed by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or a program that is nationally recognized and based on the most current national, evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for CPR and use of an AED. Parents may submit a written request that their student be excused from the training. If it is determined that a student with a disability is not capable of performing the psychomotor skills required to perform CPR and use an AED as indicated in their Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”), they will not be required to complete the training.
Prior to the start of each athletic season, each school operated by the District that offers athletic programs shall hold an informational meeting for students, parents, guardians, other individuals having care or charge of a student, physicians, pediatric cardiologists, athletic trainers, and any other individuals who participate in athletic programs regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest for all ages of students.
Students who participate in an athletic program shall annually submit a form signed by the student and their parent or guardian that indicates they have received and reviewed a copy of the education materials regarding sudden cardiac arrest that is jointly developed by the Department of Health and Department of Education and Workforce. Students will not be permitted to participate in an athletic activity until the student has submitted the form to the designated school official. All individuals who coach an athletic activity will annually complete a training course approved by the Department of Health on sudden cardiac arrests.
The Board shall adopt the model emergency action plan developed by the Department of Health for the use of automated external defibrillator.
The emergency action plan shall be practiced at least quarterly.
The Superintendent is authorized to develop guidelines and select an appropriate training course in the use of an AED and sudden cardiac arrest.
Revised 5/22/17
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