AYLESFORD SCHOOL GETS LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT THANKS TO LOCAL MP

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed at Aylesford School – Sports College following a campaign to get defibrillators into the local community by Chatham and Aylesford MP, Tracey Crouch.

AEDs are used to treat people suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. Incorporating advanced technology to detect when a shock is required, they are very simple and safe to use and require minimum or no training due to extensive visual and audible voice prompts that coach the user step by step.

Tracey explained: “Working with the British Heart Foundation opened my eyes to the reality of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the difference a defibrillator can make. Although there are as many as 270 sudden cardiac arrests in schools every year, there is no legal requirement to keep defibrillators on the premises.

“I wanted to highlight the importance of first aid and life skills being included on the National Curriculum, so campaigned to get the heart equipment put in all local schools in the area.”

Research has shown that for every minute defibrillation is delayed, survival falls by 10%. Appropriate CPR and treatment raises the chance of survival to over 50%.
Financial backing from Kent County Councillor, Peter Homewood, and support from the South East Coast Ambulance Service and AED manufacturer Cardiac Science, enabled Aylesford School – Sports College to become one of the first secondary schools in the borough to have the lifesaving equipment installed.

Headteacher, Douglas Lawson, commented: “Tracey’s campaign raised our awareness about the risks of sudden cardiac arrest. The safety of our students is absolutely paramount so we knew it was important to get involved in the project. We are taking steps to make sure all pupils and staff are able to access and use the AED in the event of an emergency.”