Automated External Defibrillators (AED): Lifesaving Equipment for Pupils in Schools

Ahmedabad: Leading by example, the Udgam Group of Schools has become the first in Gujarat to install an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the premises of Udgam School for Children, Zebar School for Children, Satellite School for Children & Bodakdev School for Children. The initiative is part of a broader campaign to promote the usage of this life-saving technology in public spaces, particularly schools and colleges, with Udgam Group of Schools leading the way.

Highlighting the life-saving potential of AEDs, recent research shows that 38% of individuals administered with AEDs have survived and left the hospital, compared to only 9% who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) alone. Studies show that the chances of survival fall by 10% every minute following a cardiac arrest incident.

AED technology plays an important role in saving lives. In the US, AED usage results in saving around 1,700 lives annually, and plans are in the offing to have the devices even in homes. However, despite an alarming number of sudden cardiac arrest cases, there is very little awareness about AEDs in India.

Recognizing the critical role of AEDs in responding swiftly in emergencies, Udgam School for Children has not only installed one on its premises but is also urging the authorities to urgently enact laws promoting their installation and usage across public spaces.

Emphasizing the need for increased education and public awareness to ensure the widespread adoption of AEDs, Manan Choksi, Executive Director of Udgam School for Children, said, “We need laws mandating Automated External Defibrillators in all public places, especially schools, and colleges. There is also a need for extensive training programs to ensure at least 50% of the staff is trained in CPR and AED. Attention should also be paid to increase awareness about AEDs to ensure that people do not resist its use when needed.”

In line with international best practices, Mr. Choksi further called for legal protection for individuals using AEDs in good faith and laws requiring inspection and approval of AEDs, similar to firefighting equipment, to ensure their reliability during emergencies.

What is an AED?

AED is used to revive someone from sudden cardiac arrest, which usually occurs when a disruption in the heart’s electrical activity causes a dangerously fast heartbeat or a fast and irregular heartbeat. Either of these irregular heart rhythms keeps the heart from pumping effectively and can cause it to stop.

When this happens, the brain and other vital organs don’t get the blood and oxygen they need. Treatment is required within minutes to prevent death. Moreover, the sooner the heart's rhythm is restored, the greater the chance of avoiding permanent damage to the brain and other organs. An AED can jolt the heart back to a regular rhythm and possibly save a life.

About Udgam School for Children

Udgam School for Children is one of the oldest and renowned CBSE schools in Ahmedabad. The school was founded in 1965 by Mrs. Sarojben Carvalho in a small building with a handful of students. As the number of students and classes increased, the school shifted to a new premise. Even back then the school was synonymous with quality education.

In 1991 the Kantilal Jaikishandas Charitable Trust took over the school. Soon the school’s size increased, and it needed a larger space. Subsequently, the Thaltej campus was constructed over a large area of land with spacious rooms. Udgam School, with its commitment to academics continued to excel and soon we were considered among the top CBSE schools of Gujarat.

Udgam School is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the medium of instruction is English. Academics is our main core and adequate weightage is given to co-curricular activities and sports as well. We have won laurels in all field.

UDGAM is amongst the top schools in bringing International education to Ahmedabad. UDGAM is also an IB World School offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Career related Programme [IBCP] for classes XI & XII, which has been accorded equivalence and recognition as a Grade 12 qualification by Association of Indian Universities. The programme provides pathways to higher education in institutions in India and around the world.