Board discusses donated LifeVac rescue devices; staff and legal counsel to present policy and liability analysis

Board members on Tuesday discussed LifeVac (also referenced as LifeAct in meeting remarks), a donated airway‑clearance device intended as an emergency intervention when the Heimlich maneuver fails. The board had previously agreed to add the item to the agenda; trustees spent time clarifying legal and medical implications and asked staff to present formal materials to the policy committee.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Barnes told trustees his primary concern is liability and protecting employees: he said the district’s current policy does not allow use of the device and that he needs assurance staff would be protected before implementation. Board member Pete Wildebore summarized mixed guidance from local health offices: some health‑department staff said use after the Heimlich is acceptable, while others advised caution, citing possible delays to cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Board member (and meeting participant) Mr. Kromke said he had gathered preliminary legal and medical materials and described mixed evidence about the device’s efficacy. He told the board he would present a packet that includes relevant state law regarding staff providing emergency assistance and examples of local practice. Kromke noted state law does not force staff to accept emergency‑response duties and that any program would likely require voluntary training and clear protections for staff.

Trustees agreed to refer detailed review to the policy committee and asked legal counsel and staff to present at the Jan. 21 policy meeting. No formal policy change or operational deployment was approved at the full board meeting; the decision was deferred pending the committee review and any policy amendments needed to allow staff to use donated devices.