I am fundraising to buy Paediatric AED defibrillators for schools in staffordshire. They are vital piece of equipment and add an extra level of care for our children whilst they are at school. I have had to perform CPR on too many occasions and looking back I wish I had access to a defibrillator. The outcome of any intervention in the right circumstances can be greatly improved with the help of a defibrillator so it just makes sense that all schools should have one. PTFA groups for schools raise funds for varying material which is important to schools. I would like to fund this equipment outside the PTFA fundraising agenda to allow them to continue with the excellent work they already do. First school on the list is LEASOWES PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFFORD.I am running a blog and there is other information on the ddchallenge website- www.ddchallenge.co.uk.

I pray that it never comes to anyone ever having to use one but if this fundraising helps just one child in our life time it will be more than worth it.

I will be completing various challenges and fundraising activities and involving parents from the school as much as they would like to participate . I will be completing a 24hr walkathon, 100 mile cycle and a climb up Snowdon. I just need as much help raising the money so that we can equip the school as soon as possible. Thankyou so much. I have secured defibrillators at a reduced cost and will include onsite training for staff.

I just want our children to be that little bit safer whilst they are at school .

Below is a little bit of information taken from the Government document concerning defib machines in schools.

An AED is a machine used to give an electric shock when a person is in cardiac arrest, i.e. when the heart stops beating normally. Cardiac arrest can affect people of any age and without warning. If this happens, swift action in the form of early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and prompt defibrillation can help save a person’s life. In 2013, emergency medical services attempted to resuscitate approximately 28,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in England. Overall survival rates vary across the country, but range between 2% and 12%. However, survival rates as high as 75% have been reported where CPR and defibrillation are delivered promptly. This is why the statutory guidance on supporting pupils at school with medical conditions advises schools to consider purchasing an AED as part of their first-aid equipment.

Research has shown that an individual’s chance of survival following the onset of a cardiac arrest decreases by 7–10% for every minute of delay in commencing treatment. Lack of blood circulation for even a few minutes may lead to irreversible organ damage – including brain damage. Early intervention by bystanders, even those with little or no first aid training, can therefore buy time until professional help arrives, improving the chance of a successful outcome.