LAUSR

AIM Cardiac arrest prevention in schools has recently gained momentum. The survival benefit in schools who have access to defibrillators is clear, with far better survival outcomes in children or adults who sustain a cardiac arrest on school grounds. The main objectives of this study were to assess sudden cardiac arrest prevention in Maltese schools, specifically the availability of defibrillators and staff competence in delivering resuscitation. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS An online based questionnaire was distributed to all secondary schools across the Maltese archipelago. Data was collected, tabulated, and analysed using SPSS V.23. Most schools (n=40, 74.1%) completed the questionnaire.Two schools documented a cardiac arrest in the past 10 years. 87.5% agreed that cardiac arrest prevention is an important health topic. Most have a defibrillator on the premises (n=37, 92.5%). Only 1 defibrillator is usually available (n=27, 75.0%). Despite the majority claiming its ease of accessibility (n=35, 97.2%), most where not available on every floor (n=37, 97.2%). Only a third were close to a sporting facility (n=11, 30.6%).Schools do not organise regular resuscitation courses (n=21, 58.3%), with 8 schools having five or more certified staff members (23.5%). The number of defibrillators did not influence the frequency of resuscitation courses at school (p=0.607) and there was no association with the number of certified individuals (p=0.860). CONCLUSION Defibrillators are not readily available at secondary schools and are often installed in low risk areas. Most schools have only one staff member certified in resuscitation. These factors should be addressed with urgency.