A literature review from the Journal of Pediatric Health Care examined the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for student athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and variances in state legislation regarding the mandatory placement of AEDs in school gymnasiums and athletic fields. Researchers Nicole Garritano and Melissa Wilmarth-Stec searched multiple databases and evaluated 17 articles based on Stetler's strength of evidence guidelines.
They found that additional evidence-based research is needed to support the long-term outcomes of AED legislation and its utility in sparing the lives of student athletes. However, they stated the evidence supporting early intervention, a coordinated emergency plan, and rapid emergency medical services response is conclusive enough to warrant state or federal legislation mandating that AEDs be present in all school gyms and athletic fields.
SOURCE: Medscape