1. Project ADAM®: Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Programs in Schools
Third edition
Produced and distributed by Maxishare
(800)

2. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
A rare problem in children and adolescents (500-1,000 cases per year in the U.S.).
Occurs far more often in adults (350,000 cases per year in the U.S.).

3. What is SCA? Normal heartbeat and/or breathing stops suddenly.
The lack of oxygen delivered to the heart muscle causes the muscle to die.
* The lack of oxygen to body tissues causes ischemia.
* Ischemia may be the cause or the result of sudden cardiac arrest.

4. The heart does not circulate blood properly
How SCA occurs
The heart does not circulate blood properly
Blood flow decreases.
Ischemia occurs.
An abnormal heart rhythm results.
OR…

5. An abnormal heart rhythm is present.
How SCA occurs
An abnormal heart rhythm is present.
Blood flow decreases.
Ischemia results.
The heart stops.

6. Sudden cardiac death may be the first and only sign of a problem!
Causes of sudden cardiac arrest in children and adolescents
Congenital conditions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Coronary artery anomalies
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Long QT Syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome
Sudden cardiac death may be
the first and only sign of a problem!

7. Other causes of sudden cardiac arrest
Commotio cordis - a “blow” to the chest area
Cocaine or stimulant abuse
Electrolyte imbalances including sweating routines for weight loss and eating disorders

8. Ventricular fibrillation (VF or V-Fib)
An abnormal heart rhythm is involved in most cases of sudden cardiac arrest
The rhythm is not functional to pump blood
Death will result if this rhythm is not treated promptly

9. Defibrillation The primary treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF)
A dose of electrical energy “short circuits” the abnormal rhythm

10. Defibrillation
The faster defibrillation is applied, the greater the chance of survival
Early CPR is essential but will not reverse VF
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) allow defibrillation to be delivered rapidly S U R V I A L %
Minutes

11. ALL of components of the chain of survival were in effect!
Project ADAM®
Four cases in Wisconsin within a one-year period (1999)
One teen survived
Why did that teen survive?
Automated
Defibrillators in
Adam’s
Memory
ALL of components of the chain of survival were in effect!

12. Chain of Survival Early access - “Call 9-1-1”
Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Early defibrillation (AED)
Early advanced life support (Emergency medical services)

13. Why put AEDs in schools? Decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Increase educational opportunities to prompt improvements.
* Pre-sports screening of student athletes.
* Requirements for school staff and volunteers.
Improved path for associated education.
* Improved reporting of symptoms.
* Avoidance of behaviors that increase risk of SCA.

14. Recognizing the need for a PAD program
So, what’s required?
Recognizing the need for a PAD program
happens in two ways:
1. External drivers such as an individual or organization.
2. Internal drivers such as a recognized need, often due to a tragic event.

15. Planning steps Develop a workgroup. Determine program costs.
Identify state legislative requirements and legal
considerations.
Enlist support.
Seek financial resources.

16. Implementation steps Identify a program coordinator.
Identify program budget details and obtain funding.
Identify and work with appropriate resources such
as a physician/medical director and the local EMS.

17. Implementation steps, cont.
Develop PAD program policies and procedures.
Assess facility for number and placement of AEDs.
Select an AED.
Select a provider of training.

18. Implementation steps, cont.
Identify key individuals to be trained including
school staff.
Expand training to the students themselves.
Plan continuing education programs

19. Train for success! CPR/AED training is perhaps the
most important feature of
any PAD program!

20. Summary A victim of sudden cardiac arrest may not have to die
tragically – PAD programs
can help!
Over 500 schools in the state of WI have implemented a PAD program.
PAD programs can help save the lives of children and adults in your community.