News

Schools throughout the state once again can get a life-saving automated external defibril-lator (AED) for free through a program being run by Akron General Medical Center.

The Ohio Department of Health has named Akron General to oversee the second round of AED distributions to schools throughout the state.

State lawmakers in October approved $2.5 million to provide a free AED to every school.

During the first round of the program in 2005, more than 2,200 schools in the state each received an AED.

AEDs are ``smart machines' that access a person's heart rhythm and only administer a shock if needed. In recent years, the medical community has pushed for AEDs to be placed in a variety of public places, including schools.

Experts say survival rates improve greatly if an AED is used to administer a shock to get a heart beating properly again within three to five minutes after cardiac arrest.

``Defibrillation from an AED is the single most effective treatment for starting the heart after a sudden cardiac arrest, the leading killer in the United States,' said Dr. Terry A. Gordon, a cardiologist with Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Specialists and a medical director of the AED program at Akron General.

Schools that already received a free AED can apply for an additional unit if needed.

Cardiac Science is providing the units, and the American Heart Association is providing the needed training.

To receive a free AED, schools must designate a site coordinator and train five people in AED and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Schools receiving a unit are asked to report any use of the AED during the first year to Gordon.

Call 800-955-5177 or go to www.ohioschoolAEDproject.com for more information.