High schools with automated external defibrillator programs were more likely to establish an emergency action plan for sudden cardiac arrest (RR 1.83; 95% CI 1.67-2.00; P<0.01).
Cross-Sectional (n=3,371)
Yes
Does having an automated external defibrillator (AED) on campus improve comprehensive emergency preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest in high schools?
High schools with AED programs are significantly more likely to have comprehensive emergency response plans for sudden cardiac arrest, indicating that AED implementation is a key marker of emergency preparedness.
Effect estimate: RR 1.83 (95% CI 1.67, 2.00)
p-value: p=< .01
CONTEXT: School-based automated external defibrillator (AED) programs have demonstrated a high survival rate for individuals suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in US high schools. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between high schools having an AED on campus and other measures of emergency preparedness for SCA. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: United States high schools, December 2006 to September 2009. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Principals, athletic directors, school nurses, and certified athletic trainers represented 3371 high schools. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Comprehensive surveys on emergency planning for SCA submitted by high school representatives to the National Registry for AED Use in Sports from December 2006 to September 2009. Schools with and without AEDs were compared to assess other elements of emergency preparedness for SCA. RESULTS: A total of 2784 schools (82.6%) reported having 1 or more AEDs on campus, with an average of 2.8 AEDs per school; 587 schools (17.4%) had no AEDs. Schools with an enrollment of more than 500 students were more likely to have an AED (relative risk RR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.08, 1.16, P < .01). Suburban schools were more likely to have an AED than were rural (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.11, P < .01), urban (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.16, P < .01), or inner-city schools (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.23, P < .01). Schools with 1 or more AEDs were more likely to ensure access to early defibrillation (RR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.97, 3.99, P < .01), establish an emergency action plan for SCA (RR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.67, 2.00, P < .01), review the emergency action plan at least annually (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.58, 2.50, P < .01), consult emergency medical services to develop the emergency action plan (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.32, P < .01), and establish a communication system to activate emergency responders (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.08, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: High schools with AED programs were more likely to establish a comprehensive emergency response plan for SCA. Implementing school-based AED programs is a key step associated with emergency planning for young athletes with SCA.
Toresdahl et al. (2013) conducted a cross-sectional in Sudden cardiac arrest (n=3,371). Automated external defibrillator (AED) on campus vs. No AED on campus was evaluated on Establish an emergency action plan for sudden cardiac arrest (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.67, 2.00, p=< .01). High schools with automated external defibrillator programs were more likely to establish an emergency action plan for sudden cardiac arrest (RR 1.83; 95% CI 1.67-2.00; P<0.01).
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