The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has awarded 211 schools with the MI HeartSafe School designation for the current year. Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News the HeartSafe program was created five years ago to reduce cardiac deaths in schools.
“Although you may not necessarily think of children in schools or young adults having cardiac issues, it does happen, whether it’s gym class, sporting events, or somebody with an underlying heart condition,” Sutfin said. “Sudden cardiac death claims the life of about 300 children and young adults annually.”
To get the HeartSafe designation, a school must train staff and students in CPR, have a written medical response plan, have AEDs that staff are trained to use, and a coaches that have gone through cardiac training. Sutfin says since HeartSafe was created, at least three people suffering sudden cardiac arrest are known to have been resuscitated at schools. Among the schools getting the designation this year are most districts in Van Buren County.
