When 13‑year‑old Caden Sorrell collapsed during football practice at Northwest Guilford Middle School, his family’s grief turned into a call for better emergency preparedness. In response, WRAL reached out to every public school district in the region to learn how many automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are on campus and how many staff members are trained to use them.

State funding fuels AED rollout

Earlier this summer, the North Carolina General Assembly approved a $4 million grant program to help school districts purchase and install AEDs. The money is intended to ensure that life‑saving devices are readily accessible during athletic events, practices, and everyday school activities.

District‑by‑district findings

• Cumberland County Schools: Every school, including support buildings, has an AED. Athletic trainers have portable units for all sporting events and practices.
• Durham Public Schools: Each high school houses at least three AEDs, two of which sit in the athletics department. Every middle school carries a portable unit that travels with a first responder during practices. Coaches, first responders and athletic trainers are all certified to operate the devices.
• Granville County Schools: All schools possess at least one AED; most high schools have multiple units.
• Lee County Schools: Every school’s nurse’s office contains an AED, with additional units near athletic facilities at middle and high schools. All middle‑ and high‑school coaches are trained in AED/CPR and first aid.
• Moore County Schools: All 24 schools have AEDs strategically placed to be reachable within three minutes from any point on campus. Nine schools earned the Project ADAM Heart‑Safe School Designation for exemplary cardiac‑emergency preparedness.
• Orange County Schools: All schools and district facilities are equipped with AEDs, and trained staff are present at each location.
• Wake County Schools: All but one school have AEDs and the necessary training; the remaining school is currently completing its training program.
• Wayne County Schools: Every elementary school has at least one AED, middle schools have a minimum of two, and high schools with athletic programs have at least three. Larger campuses host additional devices, and all schools have CPR‑trained first responders.

Why AEDs matter for families

Automatic external defibrillators are proven to increase survival rates when cardiac arrest occurs suddenly. For parents who entrust their children to school activities—especially high‑intensity sports—knowing that a defibrillator is nearby and that staff are trained offers vital peace of mind. The Sorrell family’s plea for broader AED access reflects a broader parental concern across the state.

Looking ahead

While the majority of districts report robust AED coverage, the lone Wake County school still completing its training underscores that vigilance is required. Continued monitoring, regular drills, and ongoing funding will be essential to keep every North Carolina child safe in the event of a cardiac emergency.

Parents, coaches, and community members are encouraged to contact their local school administrators to verify AED locations and training schedules. As more districts share their data, the hope is that every school—urban, suburban, or rural—will be equipped to respond swiftly and effectively, honoring the memory of students like Caden Sorrell.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.