Thu. Oct 3rd, 2024
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Research shows that 270 children die in school each year as a result of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), with an average of 12 healthy young people suffering from fatal undiagnosed heart conditions each week.

School staff are required to undergo training in the use of AEDs, yet, despite these statistics, defibrillators still aren’t a mandatory health-and-safety requirement for schools, with many opting not to invest in this life-saving equipment.

“Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain a leading cause of death in the UK, with schools proving to be a danger spot for sudden cardiac arrests. Children are especially at risk because their bodies are still developing, which makes them vulnerable to commotio cordis, where an impact from a blunt object – i.e. a football hitting them in the chest – can send them into cardiac arrest.” (defibshop Creative and Marketing Manager, Emma Lloyd)

Teachers are expressing concerns of liability for a child’s death following the use of an AED, presenting a potential barrier to AED use.

However, the Resuscitation Council states:

“Although there have been few cases in the United Kingdom where a claim has been brought against a ‘rescuer’, there have been no reported cases where a victim has successfully sued someone who came to his aid in an emergency.”

Although defibrillators aren’t a mandatory piece of health-and-safety equipment in UK schools, local MPs are starting to back organisations who campaign for laws to be introduced. Most recently, Altrincham and Sale West’s MP, Sir Graham Brady, has joined the cause.

If a defibrillator is used in conjunction with effective CPR within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest, it can increase the victim’s chance of survival from 6% to 74%, which would dramatically increase the survival rates of children who suffer SCAs in school. Without immediate treatment, 90-95% of sudden cardiac arrest victims will die.

Measures have to be taken to ensure that school staff are kept up-to-date with the latest training on pediatric defibrillator use.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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