Teachers Called Heroes After Burlington Township Student Collapses During Gym Class
By Syma Chowdhry
BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) – An AED device saved a young girl's life on Wednesday.
A Burlington Township Middle School student collapsed during gym class Wednesday morning. Faculty members immediately performed CPR and used a defibrillator.
Public Relations Coordinator Liz Scott says, "Several gym teachers, support personnel and administrators immediately reported to the gym."
The school has two defibrillators in the building and this is the first time the device was used in the district.
The school has trained with a local emergency squad for the past few years to prepare staff members in case of an emergency.
Mary Ann Bell, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations says, "We trained various members of our operational staff, including transportation staff, food service staff, administrators and, of course, most of our coaches, all of our coaches and phys-ed teachers in the district."
The young student was then rushed to the hospital.
Scott says, "She is responsive. She is talking to her family and she is currently receiving treatment."
Officials say this is proof all schools should have defibrillators and CPR trained staff.
Chief David Ekelburg of the Endeavor Emergency Squad says, "I have no doubt that if there was no defibrillator and if there was no trained personnel, the outcome wouldn't be as good as it was today."
The school staff can volunteer for CPR training in the summer. So far, 140 faculty members have signed up.
Starting in the fall, school districts in New Jersey will be required to have at least one defibrillator in every school.
Bell says, "Starting September 1st, all schools will be required to have an AED and a trained CPR response team. It's called Janet's Law. However, Burlington Township schools were ready today."
Officials say the female student is currently alert and responsive.
