Special to IFN
In U.S. schools with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), 70 percent of children survive cardiac arrest. That’s seven times the overall survival rate for children.
Thanks to a gift from the Iredell Health Foundation, Iredell-Statesville Schools has now purchased 16 new AEDs to be distributed to schools across the district.
The new AEDs will replace units that have been in service since 1992—well beyond their recommended 10-year lifespan. These upgraded devices can treat both adult and pediatric patients and will be installed at 16 school sites throughout the district, improving access to lifesaving emergency equipment for students and staff.
This gift came about after members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors discovered that I-SS was planning to replace AEDs districtwide but was limited by funding and unable to meet their goal. These additional 16 devices ensure each location needing a replacement will receive one.
The $24,000 gift was made possible through donations made to the Foundation’s Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund. Proceeds from the organization’s annual Heart of Jazz event make up much of that fund.
According to I-SS Lead Nurse Genia Caldwell, replacing the aging AEDs is essential for maintaining readiness in medical emergencies.
“Our current AEDs have served faithfully for over three decades, but they’re well past the recommended replacement age,” said Caldwell.
When Caldwell was the school nurse at South Iredell High School, a coach suffered a major cardiac event and passed away on campus.
“A student found him. I would love for that to have been a different outcome, not just for him and his family, but for that student. That is a memory no one should have to live with.”
After thar tragedy, SIHS purchased two more AEDs. Fortunately, the recent gift from the Foundation ensures a high level of access to the devices across the school district.
“These new units will help safeguard approximately 10,000 students and 1,000 staff members. Many of our schools do not have a full-time nurse every day, so having reliable, accessible AEDs and trained staff truly can make the difference between life and death,” said Caldwell. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Iredell Health Foundation for making this possible.”
Rick Dunn, owner of and instructor at Premier Safety Consultants, will supply and install the new devices as well as provide training to I-SS staff.
AEDs purchased through this initiative will be placed at the following schools: Agriculture and Early Science College (ASEC); Career Academy & Technical School (CATS); Central Elementary School; Cloverleaf Elementary School; Crossroads Early College; East Iredell Middle School; Lakeshore Middle School; South Iredell High School; NB Mills Elementary School; Unity Preschool; Shepherd Elementary School; West Iredell Middle School; Woodland Heights Middle School; Celeste Henkel Elementary School; Harmony Elementary School; and Union Grove Elementary School.
“This investment reflects the very heart of our mission,” said Jim Johnston, chair of the Iredell Health Foundation Board of Directors. “The Foundation exists to strengthen the health and wellness of our community. By equipping our schools with modern AEDs, we’re helping protect the lives of thousands of students, teachers, and staff each day.”
About Iredell Health Foundation
The Iredell Health Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization responsible for philanthropy for Iredell Health System. It supports the system’s programs and services through donor-centered fundraising. The Foundation focuses on raising community awareness of specific programs that need funding and provides individuals and organizations hoping to make a difference and leave a legacy the opportunity to support local healthcare needs of their choice. To learn more, or to make a donation, visit www.iredellhealthfoundation.org or call 704-878-7669.