SADS Safe Schools Month

SADS Tips for Parents: Children and Back to School

Children or adults with inherited arrhythmias (e.g. LQTS, BrS, CPVT, etc.) are not at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 than anyone else. The CDC recommends: To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.                          

The SADS Foundation recommends that all adults and children 12 and over with SADS conditions receive a vaccination. Click here to review the complete statement.

The CDC also some fantastic resources for parents as they go back to school including a new page to help you make decisions about protecting your family. You can access all this great information here.

Check out SADS Youtube Channel or Join us on Facebook (@SuddenArrhythmiaDeathSyndromesFoundation) or Twitter for the SADS Live sessions August 27th and Fridays in September for more back to school tips and to ask your questions.

SADS COVID-19 HUB

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Steps to Take for SADS Safe Schools

We want you to feel safe and secure sending your child back to school - and make schools a place that all kids can thrive. Make your local school system safe for your children - and other kids - by following these simple steps to educate your school! 

• Fill out a Care Plan for school health professionals
• Use our Back-to-School Checklist to help create a safe school environment for your children.
• Order your free SADS Safe Schools Packet
• Register for our SADS Safe Schools Webinar to learn more about how you can make an impact in your local school system.
• Become a volunteer this SADS Safe Schools month and make a difference in your local community! Your participation could save a life.

What the SADS Foundation Recommends

1. Every child should have a risk assessment at regular intervals: preschool, before/during middle school, before/during high school and before participation in organized sports.
2. Every school should have an Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (or an emergency action plan) in place, which includes a plan for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED) in schools.
3. Every schoolchild with a SADS condition should have an individualized care plan in place.
4. All high school students should be trained in CPR and AED's as a requirement for graduation.
5. Everyone should be aware of the warning signs that may indicate a child at risk of a sudden cardiac arrest.

1. Put SADS posters in hallways, teachers’ lounges, gyms, etc.

2. Ask your principal, coach and/or school nurse to add SADS Risk Assessment questions to the school’s physical screening forms.

3. Arrange CPR training with school nurses for the kids, teachers, and coaches.

4. Encourage your school nurses to watch our webinar and to encourage other school health professionals watch, too..

5. Put articles in school newspapers, PTA newsletters and other local publications.

If you have any questions about keeping your child safe at school, please contact Erin@sads.org or call 1-801-272-3023. Thank you for your generous support!