Newtown Schools Receive Defibrillators

By Larissa Lytwyn

Superintendent of Schools and Newtown Lion Evan Pitkoff recognized the district’s recent acquisition of eight defibrillators for the district’s seven schools during the school board’s last meeting on September 7.

Earlier this year, the Newtown Lions, a community service group, elected to contribute one dollar for every three dollars raised by the PTA.

The Lions donated a total of $3,500 while the PTA raised $11,000.

Defibrillators cost approximately $2,000 each.

Reed Intermediate School raised $4,000 to purchase two defibrillators, Newtown High School was able to add a second to its existing defibrillator and Newtown Middle School was able to replace its aging one.

Middle Gate, Hawley, Sandy Hook and Head O’ Meadow elementary schools have all received defibrillators as well.

Newtown High School nurse Dee Cupole brought a defibrillator to the September 7 board meeting to explain the basics of how the unit worked.

“A person must be certifiably trained to use a defibrillator,” she said. “All of our [district] coaches are trained in CPR and will now be trained to properly use the defibrillator.”

Those who have not received CPR training will have the opportunity to take both training courses.

“We’ve had some interest expressed by custodians and some teachers,” said Ms Cupole.

Board member David Nanavaty suggested that the Board of Education become trained.

Chair Elaine McClure praised the idea as a “wonderful” one.

Ms Cupole explained how each unit came with long-lasting, rechargeable batteries and two pairs of both adult- and child-sized pediatric pads.

“The unit explains the procedure for how to remove and apply the pads,” said Ms Cupole, demonstrating by pushing a button on the face of the defibrillator.

Immediately a lighted button began making a beeping noise as a recorded voice intoned, “Apply pads to bare chest.”

“It’s really very self-explanatory,” said Ms Cupole.

The units will be stored in alarm-secured cabinets.

PTA school representatives Joan Plouffe, Karen Meisenheimer, Melissa Harkin, Joyce LaForte, Sue Zimmerman, and Anna Wiedemann as well as Jon Christensen of the Newtown Lions were on hand to recognize the acquisition.

“We should recognize the work of our PTA presidents as well, in their effort to make this happen,” said Ms Plouffe.

Ms Wiedemann added that the Newtown VNA and Newtown Middle School nurse Barbara Reilly should also be recognized for their part in acquiring the defibrillators.