Each year, more than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital in the United States. Only about one in 10 survive, because only about 40% get the immediate help they need before emergency responders arrive, according to data from the American Heart Association (AHA).
On Monday morning, February 7, 2022, Clark Elementary School Nurse Meagan Lozano was in her office when a colleague came in to tell her that a student was lying down in the hallway. Once in the hall Lozano saw Ellie, a 7-year-old student lying facedown. She turned Ellie over, removed her mask, and noticed that her lips were blue.
She called out her name and shook her but got no response. She began CPR immediately. When a teacher in a nearby classroom heard the commotion and stepped into the hall, Lozano told her to call 911. The principal heard the 911 call, and Lozano yelled for him to grab the automated external defibrillator (AED) — a portable electronic device that diagnoses and treats sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore a regular heart rhythm.
The machine's analysis advised that an immediate shock was necessary. Following the shock, Lozano continued with chest compressions until local authorities and EMS arrived, approximately eight minutes after Ellie's collapse. The prompt use of the AED and Lozano's persistent efforts were instrumental in bridging the gap until professional medical help could take over. These actions ultimately saved Ellie’s life.
The importance of CERP plans in schools
The American Heart Association is advocating for cardiac emergency response plans (CERP) in schools across Missouri for thousands of students like Ellie. These plans establish specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in school settings. They can be stand-alone guidelines or merged with a school’s existing medical emergency response plans.
The safety of students, school staff and school visitors can be enhanced when school CERP teams are trained and empowered to administer lifesaving care until emergency medical services arrive.
American Heart Association to develop a Nation of Lifesavers
Ellie is just one of 23,000 children who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year in the United States, according to the AHA. Because Ellie received immediate CPR and use of an AED, she is now a healthy fourth grader. Although Ellie’s outcome was positive, Lozano realized there was a need for Clark Elementary to put a plan in place. So, with the help of St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation and Project ADAM, they earned their Heart Safe School distinction.
“Our staff, families and visitors have all verbalized their comfort in knowing that their kids are coming to a place that is that has prepared in this way,” said Lozano. “Having the cardiac emergency response plan and practicing our skills has benefits beyond just our school — it makes our community safer too.
The American Heart Association is working to turn bystanders into lifesavers, so that in a cardiac emergency, anyone is prepared and empowered to become a vital link in the chain of survival and provide CPR. That means ensuring that every school and athletic event and facility has a CERP in place and is working directly with local emergency service providers to integrate the CERP into the community’s EMS responder protocols.
The American Heart Association is asking people everywhere to join the Nation of Lifesavers. National Football League (NFL) and Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin is the first member of the Nation of Lifesavers and serves as the national ambassador for the movement. Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field during a Monday Night Football game in January 2023. CPR saved his life, and today he urges everyone to learn hands-only CPR. It can mean the difference between life and death.
To join the Nation of Lifesavers, visit yourethecure.org/nationoflifesavers or text LIFESAVERS to 46839.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. During 2024 — our centennial year — we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.