Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital recently updated Valle School’s current automated external defibrillator (AED) with new defib pads, battery and software. This AED is housed in the gym. In addition, SGCMH presented the schools with a brand new Medtronic Lifepack CR Plus AED that will be kept in the concession area at the football field. Tiffany Merriman, RN and clinical educator at the hospital, provided Valle teachers with training on the use of an AED.
Sara Menard, Valle principal, appreciated the donation very much and said the gym and football field are excellent locations for the AEDs as many parents and grandparents from the community come to these locations to watch their children and grandchildren play sports.
Pictured with Ms. Menard (center) are Tiffany Merriman (left ) and Rita Brumfield, Chief Nurse Officer. at SGCMH.
An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm and recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. It then advises the rescuer when a shock is needed by using voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take. AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With very little training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely. The earlier defibrillation occurs, the higher the survival rate. Without bystander CPR and use of an AED, the chance of survival from cardiac arrest declines by 7% to 10% per minute. The basic steps for using an AED are as follows: 1. Power on the AED
2. Attach electrode pads to the victim’s bare chest.
3. “Clear” the victim and allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm. (Note: The term “clear” refers to visually checking and verbally communicating that no one touch or come in contact with the victim.)
4. “Clear” the victim and deliver a shock if indicated.
Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions. After 2 minutes of CPR, the AED will prompt you to repeat steps 3 and 4.
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