• Aaron Lear, Minh-Ha Hoang, and Stephen J Zyzanski.
• Center for Family Medicine, Akron General Medical Center, OH;
• J Athl Train. 2015 Oct 1; 50 (10): 1054-8.

ContextOhio passed legislation in 2004 for optional public funding of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all Ohio high schools.ObjectiveTo report occurrences of sudden cardiac arrest in which AEDs were used in Ohio high schools and to evaluate the adherence of Ohio high schools with AEDs to state law and published guidelines on AEDs and emergency action plans (EAPs) in schools.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingWeb-based survey.Patients Or Other ParticipantsA total of 264 of 827 schools that were members of the Ohio High School Athletic Association.Main Outcome Measure(S)We surveyed schools on AED use, AED maintenance, and EAPs.ResultsTwenty-five episodes of AED deployment at 22 schools over an 11-year period were reported; 8 (32%) involved students and 17 (68%) involved adults. The reported survival rate was 60% (n = 15). Most events (n = 20, 80%) in both students and adults occurred at or near athletic facilities. The annual use rate of AEDs was 0.7%. Fifty-three percent (n = 140) of schools reported having an EAP in place for episodes of cardiac arrest. Of the schools with EAPs, 57% (n = 80) reported having rehearsed them.ConclusionsOur data supported the placement of AEDs in high schools given the frequency of use for sudden cardiac arrest and the survival rate reported. They also suggested the need for increased awareness of recommendations for EAPs and the need to formulate and practice EAPs. School EAPs should emphasize planning for events in the vicinity of athletic facilities.

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