Shocking!

The Board approved purchase of three Lifepak CR defibrillator units and three wall cabinets. Each wall cabinet has an alarm, to curb use of the defibrillator unless it is needed.

Supt. John Hill said in his presentation that a defibrillator unit will be required by the state of Illinois to be in all public buildings with athletic facilities in the next 3 years. Supt. Hill got an estimate for three units and three wall cabinets, one unit and wall cabinet for each school gymnasium. The estimate was obtained from Medtronic, and had a total cost of $6,612.30. An additional rebate of $300 is available for each unit if purchased before 12/15/2004, which lowers the cost to $5,712.30.

Board member Kay Laube inquired as to what the District's liability would be with the defibrillator units. Supt. Hill replied that, since the units will be required by law (in an unfunded mandate), the District's liability will be in not having the units available. He noted that the units offer verbal instruction and guidance to the user, and will not produce electric shock if not used properly, or if the unit detects that the victim's heart does not need electric shock.

Supt. Hill remarked that appropriate school personnel would be trained in the use of the defibrillator units, and that training may be made available to Rec. Council coaches and staff as well. Lauren Rosenthal, who was in attendance at the meeting, noted that state law requires that the most trained person at the scene of defibrillation should use the unit, and may not hand over care of the victim to someone less qualified.

Board member Gerry Blohm asked about the life expectancy of the units. Supt. Hill stated that the units have a 5-year warranty, though he expects the units to last beyond the warranty period, and that the batteries for the units and cabinets have a 2-year life expectancy.

Purchase of the three defibrillator units and wall cabinets was approved by the Board with all members voting "Yes" (Board member Don Rose not present).