Houston ISD, the largest school district in Texas, is facing potential legal action following the tragic death of a middle school student last week. Landon Payton collapsed during a physical education class at Marshall Middle School, and despite efforts by a nurse to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), the device failed to work. This incident has raised serious concerns about the maintenance of AEDs in HISD schools.
According to a spokesperson for the district, there are a total of 1,038 AEDs in HISD schools, but shockingly, 170 of them are non-functional or in need of replacement parts such as batteries. This means that nearly 1 out of 5 AEDs in the district are not in working condition, potentially putting students and staff at risk in the event of a medical emergency.
Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, has criticized HISD for failing to properly maintain life-saving equipment that should be readily available on every campus. The importance of AEDs in schools cannot be overstated, as they are crucial in treating sudden cardiac arrest, a condition that can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
While the cause of Landon Payton’s death has not been officially determined, questions have been raised about whether a functioning AED could have made a difference in his case. Texas law mandates that all schools have AEDs on campus, along with trained personnel who can use them effectively. It is concerning that despite these requirements, a significant number of AEDs in HISD schools are not operational.
During a news conference, HISD’s chief of communications and public affairs, Alex Elizondo, stated that all campuses have at least one working AED. However, she did not provide details on how many devices were functional at the time of the incident at Marshall Middle School. Replacement parts have been ordered for the non-functional AEDs, but it is crucial that these devices are promptly repaired to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Anderson has called for non-functional AEDs to be removed from display in schools to avoid giving a false sense of security. It is essential that all AEDs in HISD schools are in proper working order and readily available for use in case of an emergency. The district must take immediate action to address the maintenance issues with these life-saving devices to prevent any further tragedies.
In light of these developments, it is likely that HISD will face legal repercussions over the death of Landon Payton. The district’s failure to maintain AEDs in schools has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students and staff. It is imperative that HISD takes swift and decisive action to rectify this situation and ensure that all AEDs are functioning properly to protect the lives of those in their care.