An article appearing in a recent issue of The Record brings hope to many for the start of the 2014 New Jersey school year. A June 25, 2012 unanimous state Senate approval of Janet's Law will require the implementation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on school property of both public and nonpublic school districts in the state.
An AED is a device used to restore a normal heart rhythm in a person undergoing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA happens when the heart suddenly stops beating, stopping blood flow to the brain and other vital organs; depending upon the reason for the SCA, an AED may save that person's life. In addition to the installation of AED's on school property, the bill requires that at all times an emergency action plan be implemented among at least five school personnel trained in CPR and the use of an AED.
Janet's Law was named for Janet Zilinski, an 11-year old Warren, NJ girl who died in 2006 due to SCA. Her symptoms began during cheerleading practice, and while a nurse performed CPR on the field, no immediate access to an AED was present, which may have helped save Janet's life.
Click here for more details of this bill.
To learn CPR and the use of an AED, contact us to host a private course for your family, friends or colleagues. We'll come to your location in the northern NJ area.
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