Fund donated defibrillator makes life-saving difference 

by Stacy Hobbs

It is no secret that the Fund takes pride in the many ways it gives back to members. Coverage Credits, Membership Experience Renewal Rewards, Innovation Awards, and Loss Prevention Grants are our way of saying thank you for your membership that we value so much. In fall 2006, the Fund Board approved and TASB Staff engineered delivery of a special gift to Fund members. 287 school districts and education entities were selected to receive Automated External Defibrillators (AED). In February 2007, a second group of 116 school districts was selected to receive AEDs from the TASB Risk Management Fund. These life-saving devices have been proven to dramatically increase the chance of survival for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. “We sincerely believe that providing these devices will ensure that our members are better prepared for life-threatening situations as they integrate the AEDs into their first-responder and first-aid programs,” said Ed Thompson, TASB Loss Prevention Services director.

A recent Mexia News press release reported that while playing two-on-two basketball in a mid-morning physical education class January 23, a Wortham ISD student suddenly collapsed on the court. While nurse Kristi Stuver administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, coach Anthony Branch quickly retrieved the school’s AED. The student was eventually airlifted to nearby Medical City Hospital, where the attending cardiologist noted that the rapid actions taken by school personnel “saved [the student’s] life.”

Wortham ISD Superintendent, Albert Armer, and Principal, Lynn Jantzen, met the family at the hospital, where the student received further life-saving care. Armer expressed thanks to those who were instrumental in assisting the student while maintaining order throughout the situation. Additionally, Armer extended a note of appreciation to the TASB Risk Management Fund for providing the AED device to the school district.

In a message to TASB RMS Staff, Dubravka Romano, Associate Executive Director of TASB Risk Management Services, reflects, “While I had hoped that the AEDs would never be needed, the fact that the District had one when a student was in distress is wonderful news.”