Polk County schools get life-saving equipment
Each school is receiving four EpiPens and an automated external difibrillator.
CEDARTOWN — When Polk County school students return for the fall, they will enter a safer environment, thanks to a partnership between the school system and Polk Medical Center. Each of the 10 county schools are receiving an automated external defibrillator, along with four epinephrine auto injectors, or EpiPens. The potentially life-saving equipment is provided in conjunction with Floyd Medical Center’s school nurse program, which will also place a fulltime nurse at each school.
“We’re very excited to partner with both Polk Medical Center and Floyd Medical Center to provide excellent onsite medical care for our students,” said Greg Teems, Interim Polk County School Superintendent. “We certainly hope this equipment is never needed, but it’s comforting to know that it’s available.”
AEDs are portable electronic devices that automatically diagnose irregular heartbeats and are immediately able to treat them by applying an electrical current that helps the heart reestablish an effective rhythm. EpiPens are used to provide immediate treatment for students who experience a severe allergic reaction to insect stings or bites, foods, and other allergens. While many students with known allergies bring their own EpiPen to school, not all are able to because of the expense associated with the device.
Floyd’s Emergency Medical Services will begin a training program this summer to instruct school officials, administrators, teachers and coaches on the proper use of the medical devices.
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