It is not required by California law to have an AED (automatic external defibrillator) on every school campus; this is an alarming problem. Why raise awareness about this issue? An AED can save a life in a matter of seconds. In this course, we will learn how to operate an AED, what happens in the body when its cardiovascular system begins to fail, and hear from guest speakers who can further elaborate upon the need for AEDs and other health-related issues that need to be addressed in our California schools. SHOCKS is a tax-deductible, non-profit organization that raises funds for AEDs for California schools; students can enroll in the course while also being involved with the SHOCKS student organization if they would like to become more involved with the cause and organization.

Each week, we will discuss what is happening in the body scientifically when it needs an AED, along with current events and case studies where an AED would have been helpful or saved a life. We will hear from guest speakers, which will involve open questions and discussion at the end. There will be assigned readings and assignments based on current event happenings in California, in addition to a final group project. Students will also write a reflection on the course along with what they believe to be the best method for accomplishing SHOCKS’s goal to fund an AED for at least every California campus.