The Houston ISD community is reeling from the tragic death of a Marshall Middle School student, Landon Payton, who passed away this week after a medical emergency on campus. The incident has brought to light concerns about the district’s use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), devices that can be crucial in treating sudden cardiac arrest. Texas law mandates that schools have functional AEDs on hand, but questions have arisen about the effectiveness of these devices in HISD schools.
According to reports from the Houston Federation of Teachers, the AED used on Payton was not functioning properly when school staff attempted to use it after he collapsed in a gym. This revelation has raised alarms about the maintenance and inspection of AEDs across HISD campuses. The teachers‘ union has alleged that several nurses in the district have reported non-functional defibrillators to the district, but no action has been taken to address the issue.
Superintendent Mike Miles addressed the tragic event in a news conference, expressing condolences to Payton’s family and emphasizing the district’s focus on gathering information for them. The district has deployed counselors and crisis response personnel to Marshall Middle School to support students and staff who witnessed the incident and provided immediate assistance.
Martha Lopez-Anderson, executive director of Parent Heart Watch, a nonprofit organization focused on preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth, emphasized the importance of ensuring that AEDs are in working order. Texas law requires monthly inspections of these devices, as components like batteries, electrodes, and pads need regular replacement. Lopez-Anderson also highlighted that a functional AED may not always deliver a shock if the heart rhythm does not require it, underscoring the need for proper training in CPR until emergency medical services arrive.
The Harris County medical examiner’s office confirmed that emergency medical personnel responded promptly to the school and transported Payton to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Lopez-Anderson stressed the urgency of verifying the functionality of AEDs at Marshall and other HISD campuses to ensure preparedness in treating cardiac arrest cases.
The teachers‘ union echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining functional life-saving equipment on school campuses. Anderson emphasized that having non-functional equipment could hinder efforts to preserve life in emergency situations and called for greater accountability in ensuring the availability and functionality of AEDs in HISD schools.
As the community mourns the loss of Landon Payton, the focus now shifts to addressing the concerns raised about the district’s AEDs and ensuring that proper measures are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future. The safety and well-being of students and staff must remain a top priority for HISD as they navigate this difficult time.