An issue of concern defibrillators was brought up after the death of an 8-year old boy. At the time of the incident, the 8-year old boy went into cardiac arrest during recess. Dozens of principals with Ottawa’s largest school board identified potentially serious issues with defibrillators in their schools after the incident.

Cry for defibrillators in schools

The concerns including missed inspections, poor training and expired or inaccessible devices are detailed in a board-wide survey.

The 8-year old Griffin Martin’s heart ceased to beat while he was playing with friends during recess. His school, Orleans Wood Elementary did not have a defibrillator on site.

Edmonton first aid — Dozens of principals with Ottawa’s largest school board identified potentially serious issues with defibrillators in their schools after the incident.

Shattered life

Although it is not known whether easy access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) would have saved the life of the boy, his parents launched a campaign to equip all schools with the device.

Some principals requested for defibrillators after the death of Griffin Martin. The survey was also a means in determining which schools had AEDs and those that did not have one.

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