Emergency Response Planning and Sudden Cardiac Arrests in High Schools after Automated External Defibrillator Legislation

ObjectiveTo compare medical emergency response plan (MERP) and automated external defibrillator (AED) prevalence and define the incidence and outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in high schools before and after AED legislation.Study designIn 2011, Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association member schools were surveyed regarding AED placement, MERPs, and on-campus SCAs within the last 5 years. Results were compared with a similar study conducted in 2006, prior to legislation requiring AEDs in schools.ResultsOf the schools solicited, 214 (54%, total enrollment 182 289 students) completed the survey. Compared with 2006, schools in the 2011 survey had a significantly higher prevalence of MERPs (84% vs 71%, P < .001), annual practice (56% vs 36%, P < .001), medical emergency communication systems (80% vs 62%, P < .001), and defibrillators (90% vs 47%, P < .001). No differences were noted in the prevalence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training (20% vs 17%, P = .58) or full compliance with American Heart Association guidelines (11% vs 7%, P = .16). Twenty-two SCA victims were identified, yielding a 5-year incidence of 1 in 10 schools.ConclusionsAfter state legislation, schools demonstrated a significant increase in MERPs and on-campus defibrillators but rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and overall compliance with guidelines remained low.