Resident urges changes to AED policy; board agrees to follow up
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Summary
A resident urged the Londonderry School Board to allow any bystander to use AEDs in emergencies, to improve signage and placement and to consult first responders; district staff said AEDs are contractor‑certified annually and the board agreed to review maps, training and placement.
A Londonderry resident told the School Board on Jan. 27 that a recent revision to the district’s automated external defibrillator (AED) policy should not limit who can use the devices in an emergency and asked the district to improve AED placement, signage and training.
Christina Chamatero said the redrafted policy narrows who may administer an AED to employees designated by a principal “in consultation with the school nurse,” and urged the board to restore language making clear that an AED “can be utilized by any individual to save the life of a cardiac arrest victim.” She described a past incident in which an AED at a lacrosse practice helped save a coach, and asked whether the board consulted the fire department, paramedics or other first‑responder experts when placing devices.
The district’s representatives said the emergency response committee coordinates AED placement with the fire department and that the district contracts with an outside company to certify AEDs annually. Amity, who presented later in the meeting, said the district has “a very high percentage of staff that are trained in CPR,” and a separate speaker added, “anyone can use those if there's no other option and someone's in cardiac arrest.” The board agreed to verify AED maps for each school and to explore improved signage and posting of basic location information where appropriate.
Chamatero also urged expanded training and a public listing or simple signage showing locations such as “front lobby” or “gym” to make devices easier to find. She suggested keeping lightweight blankets or sheets with AEDs to preserve privacy when a device requires cutting away clothing. The board and district staff said they would review the policy language, check existing maps, and follow up with Chamatero.
The board did not take formal action on the AED policy at the Jan. 27 meeting; members directed staff to return with clarifications and to consult with first responders about placement and training.
The board meeting moved on to committee reports and agenda items after the public comment period.