Equipping Your School With an AED

Equipping Your School With an AED

December 2003
Volume III, Number 6

Every two minutes, someone in the United States suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, which claims the lives of 450,000 Americans each year, with an estimated 7,000 deaths occurring among children and adolescents. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The Children's Better Health Institute (CBHI) in Indianapolis is calling for installing AEDs in all high schools. The following guide provides key information to help community activists equip their school with the lifesaving devices.

Finding the Money
Communities will always rally around the cause of placing AEDs in schools. The first step in bringing the issue to the table is to get the support of both the school board and the administration, as well as local media. Notes sent home with children, local radio spots, and newspaper interviews not only raise awareness about the need, but also focus attention on fund-raising efforts.

Contact a reputable defibrillator distributor and request information on costs, as well as any potential discount programs that may be available to your school Most schools are financially solvent enough to purchase an AED, once the school board is sold on the idea.

If discretionary funds are not available, consider tapping into some creative fund-raising ideas.

Fund-Raising Activities

Enlist the financial support of hospital and local physicians.
Approach hospital foundations in your area about contributing an AED to your high school.
Seek underwriting from other professional groups (attorneys, accountants, etc.).
Contact local Service Clubs--Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycees, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion--all have donated funds to purchase AEDs in communities around the country.
Seek sponsorships from local businesses--restaurants, car dealerships, industries, malls, and other retailers.
Fraternal organizations--Elks, Eagles, Moose, Free and Accepted Masons, or the Knights of Columbus may help.
Set up counter fund-raising displays at popular restaurants and gas stations. Pennies add up to dollars.
Enroll the aid of the PTA, booster clubs, and other parent groups.

Special Events
Almost any fund-raising event can raise money for AEDs:

Auctions
Bake sales
Golf tournaments
Passing AED donation boxes around at sporting and community events.
Benefit concerts
Car washes
Raffles

Get in Touch With the Media
Contact the local media. Let them know that you are seeking funds to help save lives in your community. Perhaps someone's life was saved by an AED and CPR. Enlist their aid. By publicizing your appeal, sponsors may step forward to help in your effort.

--Indiana High School Defibrillator Educational Outreach Campaign