Volusia High Schools Each Get Three New AEDs

DeLand, FL – Each of Volusia County’s ten high schools are the recipients of three news AEDs or automated external defibrillators as part of an expanded program to keep student-athletes safe during athletic practices and games. The passage of the Zach Martin Act on July 1 requires that coaches have access to an AED at every athletic practice and game. The law also requires ongoing training. Coaches are currently required to have CPR training and will now receive additional training specifically for the AEDs. “The AED is a lifesaver. When someone goes down with a cardiac issue, it will analyze the heart. It will walk the individual through the steps of CPR and shock, as needed. So this is very important,” said Erik Nason of AdventHealth Sports Medicine. “AdventHealth is so excited to be able to provide these AEDs to these 10 high schools here in Volusia County Schools.” The money for the AEDs, $46,000, comes from AdventHealth’s annual contribution per the five-year $2 million partnership between the school district and the hospital. Each VCS high school already has at least one AED. Two of the new AEDs for each high school will be portable for use on the fields and courts, while one will be mounted on the wall of the gymnasium. Students in the high schools’ health academies and health science programs will also be able to use the AEDs for lessons. The first AEDs were delivered to Seabreeze High School.