MASA is joining the Kimberly Anne Gillary Foundation, the Michigan Chapter of the American Heart Association (AHA) and various Michigan School Associations to help promote Michigan Schools 2009/2010 CPR/AED Drill Weeks.  Those who participated in past years overwhelmingly found the drills to be educational and worthwhile exercises.

The Kimberly Anne Gillary Foundation was founded by Randy and Sue Gillary after the death of their 15 year old daughter, Kimberly, who suffered a cardiac arrest while participating in a water polo game on April 1, 2000.  The Foundation’s mission is to place an automated external defibrillator (AED) in every Michigan high school and to advocate cardiac screening and testing of all high school student athletes.  To date, the Foundation has donated over 500 AEDs, two of which were used in successful rescues.  For more information on the Foundation visit their web site at www.kimberlysgift.org.

Tragically, occurrences, like Kimberly’s, are reported every school year.  A recent study reported in Circulation, the Journal of the AHA, found an annual incidence of sudden cardiac arrest in high school athletes alone of 4.4 in 100,000. 

Studies have shown that early 911, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advance life support can help save the lives of those stricken by sudden cardiac arrest.  In 2004, the AHA Publication – The Emergency Response Plan for Schools, emphasized routine AED practice drills and evaluations. 

We encourage AED Coordinators to conduct Practice Drill(s) during this week to improve school safety, heighten AED Awareness, and help to save lives. A drill can be conducted before, during, or after school hours.  In addition, it does not have to disrupt the whole school and should take no more than several minutes to complete.  Drills also give administrators an opportunity make improvements before an actual emergency arises.  Participating CPR/AED instructors, Fire and EMS responders, and Local Hospital personnel may contact you to offer their assistance.

For help on conducting a drill visit www.aeddrill.com or contact the Kimberly Anne Gillary Foundation (248.528.0440 ecgillary@gillarylaw.com) or Aventric Technologies/HeartAED (800.228.3343 tperna@aventric.com), the event originator.

These events will also provide a great opportunity for school and community relations and serve as a benchmark for continued practice throughout the school year.  Most importantly, an AED Drill improves the chances of saving the lives of students, staff members, and visitors who may suffer sudden cardiac arrest.