The Salinas Union High School District mandated all high schools in the district to have two automated external defibrillators at the beginning of this school year.

These defibrillators are located in public buildings, schools, and golf courses to use in case of a heart related emergency. Defibrillators can be used by common people who have received only a few hours training.

A defibrillator is a small portable device that analyzes heart rhythms. The device is able to talk to its user and give instructions and if the machine considers it necessary, it can deliver a potentially lifesaving shock to a victim in cardiac arrest. This device is easy, safe and effective to use. AEDs are inexpensive and weigh less than 5 pounds.

“In case of a heart related emergency the best way to care for a victim whose heart is not working properly is by using an automated external defibrillator,” said health teacher Ms. Kaney.

One of the defibrillators was placed at Alisal’s 200’s hallway near Ms. Torres’ office. Another defibrillator is located in the main gym. The defibrillator was placed in the gym just in case there was a medical emergency during a game.

The defibrillator can be accessed by either breaking the glass box or by using a key. The only people that have access to a key are the two athletic directors, the activities director, and the custodians.

Even though the machine is easy to use some staff members received a four hour training on the machine. The nurse, head custodian, physical education teachers, the athletic directors, and the activities director have all been trained on this machine. All of the coaches at Alisal will have to learn how to use it.

Mrs. Carlos, the athletic director, said that she thought the defibrillators were “a good idea because there are a lot of people at Alisal and you never knew who might need it.”

Unexpected cardiac arrest continues as the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 225,000 to 400, 000 people die each year from cardiac arrest. Around 30% of cardiac arrests happen outside a hospital. The chance of surviving a cardiac arrest is between 5% and 7%.

“I think it’s a really good idea to have the defibrillator on campus because it is quicker than waiting for the paramedics. It can make a difference between life and death,”said senior Ana Pantoja.

To get the machine to work you press only one button and then the machine tells you exactly what to do. The machine will talk to you and show big diagrams so you will know what to do. Some studies have shown that even a sixth grader can use it.

Next year students at Alisal will be taught about and how to use the defibrillator in their health classes. As of today most students don’t know what the machine is or how to use it. “The defibrillator is great because it can potentially save someone’s life,” said senior Juan Diaz.