GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the US, according to the American Red Cross. However, an automated external defibrillator, or AED, can restore a normal heart rhythm.

Since 2008, Grand Island Public Schools has made safety a priority by implementing AEDs, even though 34 states, including Nebraska, do not require them.

“It’s kind of a no-brainer that it’s one of those life-saving devices that you need and hope you never have to take out of the package, but when that day comes, Grand Island Public Schools will be ready,” Dan Petsch, Director of Safety and Security of GIPS, said.

Petsch added that having the DEA is not enough; affordability is key.

“You have to be within a three- to four-minute walk of an AED,” Petsch said. “A good number of buildings are small enough to only have one, but middle schools, high schools we have more because of the size of the buildings.”

Carly Hirchert, a track and field coach at Grand Island Senior High, said you never know when you’ll need one.

“We know it saves lives and statistics say about a thousand people have some form of cardiac arrest every day,” Hirchert said.

Despite the lack of requirements, the district is one step ahead.

“We are fortunate enough to have six at the high school and we are going through the process right now of purchasing three portables that we will take with us to events or give to teams that may have heart conditions,” Hirchert. said.

The Grand Island Fire Department said there are 136 registered AEDs in the city. Chief Cory Schmidt encourages people to familiarize themselves with AED locations and how to use them.

“We always encourage people to look around, see where those devices are, be familiar with them, especially if they’re at work or at school,” Chief Schmidt said. “Find out where they are and take the opportunity to know how to use them before something gets to where you need to use it.”

Although heart attacks can happen to anyone at any time, there are precautions you can take.

“Those physical exams and those health care checks because then you’re going to identify some of those heart conditions that aren’t very prevalent and don’t have a lot of signs and symptoms and that’s going to be a big life saver,” Hirchert said.

According to the GIFD, every minute without an AED reduces the chance of survival by 10%, making quick access crucial.

Click here to subscribe to our daily KSNB Local4 digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your inbox.

Copyright 2024 KSNB. All rights reserved.