Parish and School Become Heart Smart

By Kathleen Deknis
School Nurse

During Catholic Schools Week, St Mary School students, faculty, staff and parents participated in a Trading Places and Spaces fundraiser to collect money for the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for our parish. St Mary’s Parish is joining the town of Shrewsbury as we become a heart safe community with a standardized emergency response.

St Mary School is working with the town to implement an AED program that will provide a defibrillator and training. This equipment and training will match the equipment and training provided at our Town Hall, Senior Center, public schools and other public centers in Shrewsbury.

The automated external defibrillator is a medical device that can recognize a rapid non-productive heart beat, fibrillation, which often occurs in sudden cardiac arrest. The AED determines whether defibrillation should be performed, and instructs the operator/rescue person in the steps needed to deliver an appropriate electrical impulse to the victim’s heart to restore a more normal heart beat. The sooner defibrillation is provided, the better the victim’s chance of survival.

The AED program requires the administration of CPR, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, before shock is administered, between shock when indicated by the AED, and after the application of the shock from the AED. Any person willing to provide care to a cardiac victim must be trained in CPR and AED use. Training that conforms to American Heart Association Standards will be provided as the AED program is implemented.

During Trading Places and Spaces, parents donated funds in a bid to become Principal for a day and students bid to trade places with teachers, staff and other students. Fun was had by all.