Sudden cardiac arrest happens quickly; it can affect anyone, including healthy adults and teenagers.  The only way to treat sudden cardiac arrest is with defibrillation.  Quick access to defibrillation is the key to survival.  The Stillwater School District recently received 5 Lifepak automated external defibrillators (AEDs), donated by Lakeview Hospital.  An AED is a portable device that analyzes a person’s heart rhythm, prompting the user to deliver a defibrillation shock if the AED determines the need.  The AED guides the user through each step, providing voice and visual prompts.

“The most recent studies on cardiac arrest victims show the best chance of survival from the event occurs when defibrillation is performed with 3-5 minutes of the time of collapse”, stated Jon Muller, Lakeview Hospital Emergency Medical Services director.  “In large buildings, such as schools, once we arrive at the building it may take up to 2 minutes to get to the person.  That’s why having an AED on-site is so important.”

The AED device is designed for easy use.  Only a few hours of training is needed; no medical background is required.  Lakeview Hospital provided training for Stillwater School District staff prior to installing the AED devices.  AEDs are becoming an expected standard in public places, similar to fire extinguishers.  AEDs are becoming an essential part of CPR training.  Laura Sobiech, Lakeview Hospital CPR coordinator explained, “An analogy would be a computer that freezes up and you need to press the reset button.  The energy is still there, however it is disorganized and not functioning.  An AED takes that disorganized energy and reorganizes it, hopefully producing a functioning rhythm.”

The donated AED devices have been installed at the Stillwater Junior High School, Oak-Land Junior High School, and the Stillwater Area High School.  “We have received many positive comments from the staff and the public [regarding the AEDs]”, said Rick Wippler, Stillwater Junior High School principal.  “The school district appreciates Lakeview Hospital donating the AEDs so we can get started with this lifesaving program”, stated Mike Brabender, operations supervisor of the school district.