Past students donate defibrillator to Rusea's
Published:Monday | February 13, 2017 | 12:00 AM
The New York chapter of the Rusea's Old Students Association (ROSA) recently donated an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the 240-year-old Rusea's High School in Lucea, Hanover.
The presentation of the equipment took place at Campus I at Watson Taylor Drive, which is the institution's main campus.
An AED is a portable device that is used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. It checks the heart rhythm and is able to send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
Acting principal Donna Anderson welcomed the initiative, which she said was pertinent in light of the sudden deaths of high school students being reported at several schools in recent times.
Teachers were trained how to use the AED by registered nurses Sharon Thompson (a past student) and Deloris McGregor of the Organisation for International Development volunteers.
According to Thompson, the Organisation for International Development is continuing its efforts to have all schools across the island have at least one of the medical devices.
Head of the Physical Education Department Sonia Smith said that she was elated that ROSA had recognised the need for an AED.
"I am happy that ROSA has donated these two AEDs, and as a school with a sports programme, we will be better able to respond to medical emergencies," Smith said.