New Westminster schools will soon be equipped with life-saving devices thanks to a push from parents.
Beth Ott, past chair of the New Westminster district parent advisory council (DPAC), was the first to approach the district about buying and installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in local schools. The district jumped on the idea and put together a report outlining what the devices would cost and what practices are in place in other districts.
Superintendent Pat Duncan presented the report to the school board at its monthly meeting in April. The report revealed four of the nine school districts in the Metro Vancouver area currently have AEDs in all schools, while three of the nine are site specific. Two districts – Burnaby and Richmond – don’t have any devices, according to Duncan’s report.
While Duncan admitted it’s more likely the AEDs would be used to help an adult in cardiac arrest than a student, there is conclusive evidence the devices can have a positive effect on someone suffering from a heart attack and improve the chances of survival, according to the report.
Considering the number of community groups that use the schools after hours, Duncan added, having AEDs available in an emergency is a good idea.
Karon Trenaman, current DPAC chair, said it was heartening to finally get the motion “before the board and to have that discussion and to see the support of a number of the trustees.”
The AEDs are expected to cost $30,000 plus $5,000 to train staff on proper use. The cost will be factored into the 2017/18 annual budget.
“It’s encouraging for us to see the discussions are quite promising in every school. Whether it happens in September or sometime in the year, that’s a huge coup as well just to ensure that extra safety step has been taking in the schools,” Trenaman said.
The school district plans to buy 12 AEDs and distribute as soon as practical. Staff will be trained before the devices are installed, according to the district’s report.
