Defibrillator training almost done at Bedford school

Jackman Road school staff learns how to use new device

From left, Superintendent Ted Magrum, Jackman Principal Sherry Farnan, PTO President Amy Krupp, district nurse Roxann Satkowski, Bedford Township Supervisor Walt Wilburn, and Bedford Fire Chief John Bofia display the automated external defibrillator.

Staff members at Jackman Road Elementary School will soon complete training on the use of automated external defibrillators.

The Parent Teacher Organization purchased the device in June with proceeds raised at a live auction held earlier this year.

Sherry Farnan, school principal, said the goal of the event was to "benefit and enrich our students' lives." The organization decided to purchase a defibrillator after the event raised $17,000.

"We have a building with over 550 children and a fairly large staff. You never know who's going to need it," she said. "It's the difference between life and death."

The building is also used for community education, scouting groups, basketball, and volleyball.

Lunch room and playground supervisors and health aides are among the 50 employees expected to finish training by the start of the school year.

Roxann Satkowski, nurse for Bedford Public Schools, said defibrillators are important to have on site because cardiac arrest can occur at any age.

Mrs. Satkowski will train about 50 staff members. She noted 85 percent of the coaches are already CPR certified.

"It's like life insurance in a way; you hope you never need it, but should someone have cardiac arrest, it certainly is there and available," she said. "It's important to have [defibrillators] on site."

Contact Payton Willey at: paytonwilley@theblade.com or 419-724-6050.