Published Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD is proud to announce that Dozier Elementary is now a recognized Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) Heart Safe School. Project ADAM is a national non-profit program intended to help schools build CPR-AED or Public Access Defibrillator programs. Cardiac death happens in minutes. Rescuers have 3-5 minutes to save a life, making emergency action plans critical. Children can be affected at any age and the events often happen during school or during after-school activities. 

EMS ISD Health Services Director Hollie Smith has worked with district RNs to create and carry out emergency response cardiac (CPR/AED) plans, develop a cardiac emergency response designated team, implement AED drills and educate school staff on the warning signs and treatment of sudden cardiac death. Through this extensive plan, school personnel are equipped to identify signs of sudden cardiac issues and initiate potentially life-saving measures if needed.

“I am so proud of Dozier Elementary for achieving the Project ADAM designation,” Smith said. "Our district RNs work hard to train campus emergency teams so that everyone knows what to do. It is simply not enough to have an Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) present on campus. People need to know how to use one and what to do in an emergency. EMS ISD Health Services is committed to promoting a Heart Safe Environment for students, staff, and visitors."

Project ADAM began in 1999 after Adam Lemel, a 17-year-old high school student collapsed and died while playing basketball. This program, in partnership with Cook Children's Medical Center, recognizes the great work that was spearheaded by school nurse Brandye Adams. This program implements a comprehensive plan to prevent sudden cardiac death.