Schools that participate in Project ADAM Michigan receive consultation with pediatric health care professionals from University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital to help:

• Identify a project coordinator at your school
• Implement the program and provide information about acquiring CPR/AED training
• Provide information about risk factors and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest
• Connect you with other schools served by Project ADAM to share best practices
• Connect you with organizations that can help you learn more and consider ways to fund your AED program

We recommend schools identify a medical director from within the local community as a resource to help guide implementation of the recommendations.

Materials that provide step-by-step activities necessary to develop a publicly accessible defibrillator program. The Project ADAM manual includes information, form letters and easy-to-fill-out templates on:

• Receiving approval from school administrators and notifying parents of the need for the program
• AEDs, including how to choose one, where to put it, how to use it and how to maintain it
• CPR/AED training, including who to train, how many people to train and how often to train
• Working with local emergency responders, identifying a medical director and learning state requirements
• Mock drill scenarios

Support via phone, e-mail and in-person visits is available. Project ADAM staff will answer your questions, listen to your concerns and provide direction to help make your AED program as efficient and effective as possible.

All consultation and recognition is provided free of charge to schools in Michigan.

Project ADAM Michigan’s goal is to have all schools in Michigan establish effective sudden cardiac arrest preparedness procedures to help prevent tragedies of sudden cardiac death in children.

How can I start Project ADAM in my school? 

To begin Project ADAM at your school or for questions, please contact our program coordinator at [email protected].

What are the benefits of participating in Project ADAM Michigan?

• Higher awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and impending sudden cardiac arrest, along with how to initiate a timely response
• Guidance on establishing CPR/AED life skills for students and staff
• Assistance with planning for a comprehensive school AED implementation/deployment plan

What is the commitment required of schools to participate? 

Project ADAM Michigan schools commit to implement protocols provided in the Project ADAM manuals. The manual assists school staff in forming an emergency response team; implementing practice AED drills; educating school staff, students and parents on the location of the AED; conducting appropriate maintenance and testing of equipment; and keeping an accurate record of staff trained in CPR.

Has Project ADAM made an impact nationally? 

Since Project ADAM’s inception in 1999, nationally there have been more than 50 documented cases of lives being saved in Project ADAM-affiliated schools. Thirty of the lives saved were in Georgia, where more than 800 schools have implemented Project S.A.V.E., the Project ADAM affiliate in Georgia.

Are schools in Michigan required to do any of this? 

No. Earlier this year, however, a bill called the Cardiac Emergency Response Drill Bill was introduced and passed the state House. It moves on to the Senate in the fall. This bill would allow schools to substitute a cardiac emergency response drill for one of their mandatory fire drills. Schools would be encouraged  to adopt and implement a cardiac emergency response plan. The experts at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital are available to answer questions about creating these plans.

How can a school substitute a cardiac emergency drill for one of its fire drills? 

In addition to the resources Project ADAM offers schools, the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association offers excellent resources for planning and running sudden cardiac arrest drills on their Drill Dr. Heart website.

How do we write policies for responding to a medical emergency? 

Project ADAM has created templates of many emergency preparedness policies, procedures and letters that your school can tailor to your specific institution.

How can school faculty generate administrative and community support? 

The key is letting facts tell your story. The extent of the problem, legal issues, cost, training and program implementation all are factors to be considered. Project ADAM Michigan staff can help you put together your presentation to include all of this information. We also have a CD and video that you can use to generate support and funding for your program. In addition, we are able to travel to your location and speak with key groups of people to help explain the program and the implications for the school and community.

Where do we find appropriate resources and how do we begin to plan for this program?

Planning begins with a committee of key people including school administrators, athletic personnel, school nurses, parents, local emergency medical personnel, medical directors and any community groups you have identified as being interested in supporting the initiative. The Project ADAM manual and resources will help you answer some initial questions, anticipate the costs and begin planning for training and program implementation. We also have staff who can help lead your first meeting and assist with the planning process.

What is an AED? 

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a device that automatically analyzes heart rhythms and advises the operator to deliver a shock if the heart is in a fatal heart rhythm. AEDs are safe and will not shock if there is not a fatal heart rhythm. Non-medical personnel can use AEDs safely and effectively with minimal training.

How does an AED work? 

A computer inside the defibrillator analyzes the victim's heart rhythm. The device decides whether a shock is needed. Some devices shock the victim automatically if a shock is needed. Other devices require that the operator press a button to deliver the shock. The shock is delivered through pads stuck to the victim's bare chest. The shock stuns the heart, stopping abnormal heart activity, and allowing a normal heart rhythm to resume.

Who can use an AED? 

Modern AEDs are designed to be used by any motivated bystander, regardless of training. The devices advise the user about how to apply the device and whether or not to administer a shock. Some devices shock automatically if the victim has a fatal heart rhythm. Training is important, however, particularly since almost all victims also need CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to keep the blood circulating while the AED is being mobilized and to help establish a good heart beat after the AED is used. Most of the time, the AED will advise the user to administer CPR, depending on the needs of the victim, and in these cases it is quite helpful to have CPR training. AEDs have been used successfully by police, firefighters, flight attendants, security guards and lay rescuers.

What brand of AED should we buy? 

Project ADAM does not provide recommendations for specific AED devices. We will provide you with the names and contact numbers for vendors who sell FDA-approved devices. AED vendors, your local EMS and medical professionals in your community can provide insight as to which device best fits your needs.

Can I be sued for trying to help someone experiencing cardiac arrest? 

Michigan’s Good Samaritan Laws state that a lay person who in good faith voluntarily provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or defibrillator use is not liable. Federal Good Samaritan Laws reinforce this.

Regional not-for-profit partners

• Kimberly Anne Gillary Foundation
• Thomas Smith Memorial Foundation
• The KAYLA Foundation
• Project ADAM national website
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
• Parent Heart Watch

School-related AED program information

FDA-approved AED company sites (alphabetically listed)

• Cardiac Science
• Defibtech
• Medtronic Physio-Control
• Philips Medical Systems/Heartstream
• Welch-Allyn
• Zoll Medical Corporation

CPR Training Resources

• Red Cross