ELKINS — Grant funding has allowed Randolph County Schools to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for five schools in the county to be on site in case of medical emergencies.

Victoria Howes, RCS Health Program specialist and school nurse, offered a report to the Randolph County Board of Education this week regarding the purchase of AEDs for several schools in the county.

Howes explained funding provided by the Highmark Grant has allowed the county to purchase AEDs for Pickens School, Coalton Elementary School, George Ward Elementary School, Third Ward Elementary School and Beverly Elementary School.

According to the American Heart Association, an AED is a portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. Furthermore, the device itself has a built-in computer that checks a victim’s heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes.

The computer calculates whether or not defibrillator is needed; if so, a voice recording will instruct the rescuer to press the shock button on the AED. The shock will momentarily stun the victim’s heart and stop all activity, giving the heart the chance to resume beating effectively, according to the American Heart Association.

The Randolph County Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 5:30 on Monday, Aug. 12 at the central office to discuss personnel and make final approvals before school begins on Thursday, Aug. 15.