By Dr Jonathan Shurlock
Edited by Dr Ahmed El-Medany
This week, in a press release, the government announced that every state funded school in England has at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on site, after a nationwide directive. The programme has resulted in 20,376 devices being delivered to 17,862 schools, at a cost of £19 million. Schools with a larger footprint have been provided with multiple defibrillators, placed in areas deemed more likely to be used, including sports halls.
The energy behind this campaign has been Mark King of the Oliver King Foundation, whose son Oliver suffered a cardiac arrest during a swimming lesson at school resulting in his tragic death. Mark’s work has helped facilitate this excellent achievement, in the face of immense tragedy.
CEO of the Resuscitation Council UK is quoted in the press release describing the importance of regular checks of the AEDs, and the registration of each device on the Circuit network, which we reported on previously.
The presence of defibrillators in every state funded school is excellent progress and should encourage building on current programmes which teach first aid and basic life support in schools. A fantastic achievement for all involved.
