Grandmother Saved by Defibrillator Tells Her Story

High schools will be required to have defibrillators under a new law that goes into effect this fall. The law will require schools to implement defibrillator programs that include inspections and training on how to use the devices. The bill also provides immunity from civil lawsuits to people who try to use the
device in good faith.
On May 9, seventy-three year-old Louise Slatton’s life was saved by a defibrillator. She was with her daughter, picking up her grandson at Northwest Middle School in Travelers Rest when she stopped breathing. Within three minutes, school nurse Ann Taylor was using the devices on her in the parking lot.
"The moment of getting the pulse back was the biggest relief, you could feel it was so strong and seeing her take that first breath... It was amazing, " says Taylor.
The school raised money to buy the device by selling pickles and Slim Jims. Assistant Principal Elaine Hitch couldn’t be more proud. "The machine we wanted so badly and worked so long to get helped to save that lady's life. That was just phenomenal," says Hitch. Principal Lee Givens says it shows the importance of every school having one. "It's great feeling to know that we had the training and equipment to save a life; it's just beyond words, " Givens told News Channel 7.
Slatton says, “I am doing good.” She doesn’t remember any of what happened. She is just glad to be able to tell the story, she has been told. "I just thank the Lord that he gave me another chance.”


Northwest Middle School: http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/northwst/index.asp

Congress pushes for defibrillators in schools: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-02-17-school-defibrillators-main_N.htm

School defibrillator study:http://www.dailyherald.com/story/print/?id=26701



June 5, 2008
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - COLUMBIA, S.C. --
High schools will be required to have defibrillators under a new law that goes into effect this fall, despite Gov. Sanford's veto of the proposal.
The Senate and House overrode the veto Thursday; hours after Sanford vetoed the bill.
Sanford said only about one death a year would be expected to occur in a South Carolina high school. He said about half the state's high schools already have the machines.
Sanford said defibrillators are expensive and should be purchased using private money or federal grants. He said it shouldn't be an unfunded mandate on schools.
Beginning in the 2008-09 school year, the law will require schools to implement defibrillator programs that include inspections and training on how to use the devices. The bill also provides immunity from civil lawsuits to people who try to use the device in good faith.