Schools in Stoddard County build stock of compact defibrillators

DEXTER, Mo. -- An innovative device has become more common on school campuses across Stoddard County and promises ready assistance for a staff member, student, or visitor who may suffer a heart attack on school grounds.

The device itself, a defibrillator, has been around for decades, but became available in recent years in the form of a compact, user-friendly tool. When properly employed in the event of a heart attack, it can give a victim precious time that may mean the difference between life and death, according to Dave Cooper, director of Stoddard County Ambulance District.

Dexter's school district is one of several in the county that has bought into the safety devices. For each of the last few years, the district has added two units. Units are now placed in each school and in the district's bus garage, as well as in the field house near the football field.

"It's really an amazing piece of equipment," said Cooper, who was consulted by the district regarding the purchase.

According to the district's assistant superintendent, Dr. Denny Jarrell, Cooper has been instrumental in instructing school personnel on the use of the emergency device and the proper maintenance of the units throughout the area.

"It's really a simply operated machine," Cooper said. "It is placed in full view of the public and the staff so that if someone should suffer a heart attack, help is close by."

"The cabinet housing the defibrillator is unlocked and can be easily accessed. Upon removing the unit and opening up the case, a series of automated verbal commands are issued to the individual or individuals who are attempting to offer medical assistance to the victim."

Defibrillation is a recognized means of terminating certain potentially fatal arrhythmia, Cooper said the device is able to "jump-start" the heart. The Medtronic Lifepak 1000 defibrillator is an automated external defibrillator that delivers electricity through disposable electrodes applied to the patient's chest.

"There are specially trained individuals within the district who have received instruction in the proper use of the defibrillator," Jarrell said. "Those trained personnel in turn train the school staff, but the procedure is very user-friendly and the verbal commands are extremely comprehensive."

The defibrillators come at a price of about $1,500 each. Money for the purchase of the equipment was filtered into the local school system following Hurricane Katrina. That money was allocated to districts who serviced misplaced victims of the storm.

"It's a lot like insurance," Jarrell said. "It's something that you pay for and hope that you never have to use."