Polk County schools receive life-saving equipment
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 (AED), along with four epinephrine auto injectors, or EpiPens. The potentially life-saving equipment is provided in conjunction with Floyd’s school nurse program, which will also place a full-time 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 s t udents with known allergies bring t heir own EpiPen t o school, not all are able to because of the expense associated with the device.
“In a perfect world, we would know of every student who has severe allergies and each would have his or her own EpiPen, but that’s not always the case,” Teems said. “Some students may have al l ergies t hat haven’t yet been diagnosed, and not all who have been can afford to have an EpiPen at home and at school. This gift from Polk Medical Center gives us the peace of mind of knowing that we’re prepared if the need for immediate treatment ever arises.”
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.
“It would be wonderful if we went through the school year without ever having to take an AED or an EpiPen out of its case, but that’s not what we prepare for,” said Bud Owens, Floyd EMS Director. “We want to make sure every school employee is thoroughly trained and ready to take action if called upon.”
Matt Gorman, Polk Medical Center Administrator, sees the relationship with the school system as an extension of the care provided by the hospital every day.
“Partnerships like this one with Polk County Schools are key to helping us carry our mission at Polk Medical Center, which is to develop meaningful programs that improve the health of our community,” Gorman said. “I honestly believe that a program like this will save lives, and I can’t imagine a greater calling, so we’re grateful for this opportunity to give back.”
Teems points to partnerships like the one with Polk Medical Center as being vital to a school system’s success.
“I hate to use a cliche, but it really does take a village to raise a child,” he said. “We rely on partnerships like this one and are grateful for organizations like Polk Medical Center that are willing to step up and help us take care of our students.”
For more information about Polk Medical Center, visit the website at www.polkhospital.org.