Warren Woods Tower receives new AED device after law takes effect

WARREN — On May 24, state Rep. Mai Xiong, D-Warren presented an automated external defibrillator to Warren Woods Tower High School.

The elected official distributed the device in recognition of a new law that ensures schools have lifesaving AEDs on hand. Newly signed public acts No. 36 and No. 37 require that an AED be accessible within one to three minutes during a cardiac emergency.

An automated external defibrillator is used to help a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The medical device can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if needed, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart reestablish an effective rhythm.

Because of the new legislation, the NFL donated 50 AEDs for Michigan legislators to distribute to schools in their hometowns.

“The safety and security of the people of Michigan are among my top priorities,” Xiong said in a prepared statement. “Not only will the presence of an AED help to save the lives of those in attendance of sporting events at Warren Woods Tower, but it will also help save any students who could suffer from cardiac arrest. I’m honored to have gotten the chance to deliver an AED to Tower High School.”

According to Warren Woods Public Schools Superintendent Stacey Denewith-Fici, the district has 15 AEDs strategically located throughout the district. Each school building has at least one device.

Because the high school is the largest building in the district, it has five devices. They are located in various parts of the building so they are easily accessible when an emergency arises.

Some staff members, including coaches, nurses and other crisis team members, are trained yearly on the AED. All other staff receive training on a rotating basis.