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Danvers nurses get new AEDs, in-house CPR instructors and plan NaloxBox rollout
Summary
The district bought 13 new AEDs, used a Mass. Department of Public Health nursing grant to train in-house CPR instructors (68 staff trained so far), and will install NaloxBoxes near AEDs so trained staff can access Narcan quickly at schools and athletic sites.
Janelle Maroney, a district nurse, told the committee the Danvers Public Schools purchased 13 new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for school buildings and established a maintenance agreement with the vendor for battery and device replacement.
"We have 13 devices that we just purchased," Maroney said, adding that the company will remotely monitor device status. She explained the district used a Mass. Department of Public Health nursing grant to run an in-house CPR instructor program (mannequins and equipment purchased with grant funds) and that 68 staff members have been trained so far.
Maroney also described a plan, supported by opioid-settlement funds, to place wall-mounted "NaloxBoxes" near AEDs. The boxes will hold Narcan (naloxone) and be accessible to trained staff at any time to respond to suspected opioid overdoses at schools or at after-hours events. The nurse said state changes now allow nurses to train other staff to administer naloxone in emergencies.
Committee members asked about portable AED access for off-site fields and whether boxes could be practical for outdoor venues; Maroney said the devices must be protected from freezing but noted the district had purchased an AED for a snack bar at Great Oaks to cover that site.
There was no formal vote; the update was informational and connected to budget and safety planning.
