Government to Provide Schools With Defibrillators
The Department for Education has announced that all schools will have on-site defibrillators by the end of 2023
The Department for Education has stated that all state-funded schools without an automated external defibrillator (AED) are to be provided with one by the government by the end of the 2022/23 academic year, building on curriculum teaching first aid and CPR.
Many schools are already equipped with the life-saving devices but the government aims to fill the gaps by funding about 20,000 defibrillator kits to ensure there is at least one defibrillator on every school site.
The new government plans follow a campaign led by the parents of Oliver King, who died when his heart stopped during a swimming lesson in 2011. The government hopes the plans will prevent future tragic stories.
Better Survival Rates
The defibrillators will protect pupils, staff and visitors to the schools, including local communities who use school facilities. For example, this could mean football teams who hire school pitches would be protected, as well as keeping pupils safe during the school day.
Whilst studies have shown that swift use of an AED could lead to better survival rates, the devices have been “disproportionately placed in more affluent areas with a lower residential population density”. Researchers have recommended that AEDs be placed in areas of higher deprivation and tailor these programmes to local community needs.
A survey will be sent to all state-funded schools in order to first determine the number of devices required (estimated to be more than 20,000). The DfE said it was committed to providing enough funds so that all school premises have at least one AED kit on site. They also said they would help schools teach first aid as part of the core curriculum.
AED Maintenance
Defibrillators undergo regular self-tests. If a problem is found, this will be indicated by a sign or warning light on the machine. There should be a procedure in place at your school for AEDs to be checked for this warning light on a weekly basis. This could be done by a single designated person and the process should be recorded in some way.
The condition of the cabinet housing the AED should also be regularly checked, as well as the door closure and any locks. Schools should be prepared for any fault that may occur by making themselves familiar with the AED user manual to ensure they are aware of what to look for and what remedial action will need to be taken.
Some AEDs require schools to conduct additional monthly or annual checks to ensure they are functioning properly. Schools should consult the user manual for more details about this and ensure they have appropriate arrangements in place. Failure to perform these checks could potentially mean that the AED fails to function properly when needed.
More information about AED maintenance can be found under the ‘Regular maintenance’ heading in the DfE guidance Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) - A guide for schools.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices which provide a high-energy electric shock to restore the heart back to its normal rhythm. They are used on people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition whereby the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly.
An AED system includes a battery and electrode pads that help the device detect and interpret an electrocardiogram and deliver an electric shock.
Using both CPR and early defibrillation is effective in saving lives when used in the first few minutes after collapse due to sudden cardiac arrest.
Training
As AEDs are covered by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), duties are placed on employers in respect of employee training and the provision of information and instructions in the use of such equipment.
However, AEDs are designed to be used by someone without specific training and instead by following step-by-step instructions on the AED device. It should be sufficient for schools to relay the manufacturer’s instructions to staff and provide a general awareness briefing session so that they meet their statutory obligations.
More information about AED training can be found under the ‘Training’ heading in the DfE guidance Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) - A guide for schools.
Handsam Resources
ICE05 Defibrillator Monthly Checklist
AM14 Medical and First Aid Room Checklist