Policy committee recommends AED availability, maintenance policy to board for first read

Kelly, a staff member presenting the policies, told the Danbury School District Policy Committee on Oct. 20 that the first policy under review was a revision to the district's automatic external defibrillator, or AED, policy. The presenter said the update keeps the existing policy's intent while making minor language changes.

The presenter said the policy "outlines the fact that we will have access to these lifesaving devices in our schools and facilities," and requires monitoring and maintenance of batteries on a biannual schedule. She added the district's coordinator of nursing services will oversee compliance and that "explicit individuals within the school system, primarily our nursing services staff, our school nurses, are trained in how to appropriately use" AEDs.

The presenter said other staff receive training as well: "There are training done with our coaching staff, our athletic director staff, and some of our PE, and health staff as well." She described AED use as an emergency measure to be used "while awaiting for EMS arrival," and noted that 911 dispatchers typically can coach a bystander through device use.

Committee member Terry moved to recommend the AED policy to the full board for a first read; Michelle seconded the motion. Committee members voiced their support and the motion carried.

The committee did not alter the policy's substantive intent in committee. The presenter described the revisions as "minor language changes" and said the district had consulted its coordinator of nursing services for input.

Because the committee advanced the policy to the full board for a first read, the board will receive the draft with the committee's recommendation at a future board meeting.