After another athlete went into cardiac arrest, WRAL is asking our local school districts if they have defibrillators to help in moments of crisis.  

Caden Sorrell, 13, went into cardiac arrest during football practice at Northwest Guilford Middle School and later died. His sister said he had just started football practice, ran a lap around the field, before going into cardiac arrest. A friend of the family said they want automatic external defibrillators (AED) to be more accessible.

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The life-saving devices are proven safety measures. This summer, state lawmakers passed a law that provides $4 million to help ensure AEDs are accessible on school campuses.

We emailed every school district in our viewing area, asking how many schools have AEDs and how many people are trained on them.

  • Cumberland County Schools: AEDs available in all schools, including support buildings. Athletic trainers also have access to an AED during all sporting events and practices.
    • Durham Public Schools: Each high school has at least three, with two of them specifically within the athletics department. Every middle school has a portable AED, which is present with a first responder during all practices. All coaches, first responders and athletic trainers are able to operate AEDs.
      • Granville County Schools: All schools have at least one AED, with most high schools having multiple.
        • Lee County Schools: AEDs in every school's nurse's office at a minimum. Middle and high schools have at least one additional AED located near athletic facilties. All middle and high school coaches are trained in AED/CPR and first aid.
          • Moore County Schools: All 24 schools have AEDs on campus, strategically located so they can be accessed within three munutes or less from any location on each campus. Nine schools have the Project ADAM Heart Safe School Designation, which recognizes schools that demonstrate strong cardiac emergency preparedness.
            • Orange County Schools: All schools and district facilities are equipped with AEDs, with trained staff available at each location.
              • Wake County Schools: All but one school have AEDs and the necessary training, but the remaining school is currently undergoing the training.
                • Wayne County Schools: There is at least one AED in every elementary school. at least two in every middle school and at least three at high schools that offer athletic programs. Larger campuses have additional devices. All Wayne County Public Schools have CPR and AED-trained First Responders.