Rossville Consolidated School District (RCSD) is emerging as a statewide leader in cardiac emergency preparedness, establishing itself as a model for Indiana schools through comprehensive training, advanced planning, and strategic investments in life-saving equipment.
With 122 staff members certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and trained in the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and 28 AED units deployed across the building, Rossville Schools has created one of the most robust emergency readiness systems in the state. The district serves approximately 1,000 students, staff, and visitors each day, giving Rossville an impressive AED-to-person ratio of 1 device for every 36 people—far exceeding both state and national averages.
According to Side Effects Public Media, nearly 40% of Indiana schools report having fewer than four AEDs per building, while the national average sits at just 2.8 AEDs per school. Rossville’s commitment to preparedness goes well beyond compliance with Indiana law (IC 20-34-8), which requires AEDs and emergency action plans for athletic and performance venues. The district has integrated these protections throughout the building and into its daily operations.
“Every student and staff member deserves the best possible chance to survive a sudden emergency,” said Dr. Jim Hanna, Superintendent of Rossville Schools. “This is about more than meeting a requirement—it’s about protecting lives through training, technology, and teamwork.”
A critical component of the district’s success is its commitment to biennial CPR and AED certification for staff, ensuring up-to-date skills and confidence in emergency response. The most recent district-wide training, held Friday, August 1, 2025, was led by Rossville teacher Stephen Back, local community member Jenny Whitcomb, and a team of healthcare professionals. Their collective experience provided high-quality, hands-on instruction that replicates real-life scenarios. Mr. Back also brings his expertise into the classroom, teaching CPR and AED use to students throughout the school year and empowering a new generation with life-saving skills.
Rossville’s preparedness doesn’t stop with training. The district has established an in-house emergency response team capable of immediate activation through the school’s internal telephone and radio system. This rapid-response team includes EMTs, firefighters, police officers, school administrators, and the school nurse, all of whom mobilize instantly when needed. While help is enroute, staff can coordinate with Central Dispatch by phone or radio for additional emergency support or advanced care, reinforcing a layered, seamless emergency protocol.
The benefits of such readiness are clear. According to a WFYI Indianapolis report, survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest can reach up to 85% for students and nearly 90% for youth athletes when an AED is used immediately. With every minute of delay, the chance of survival drops by 7% to 10%, underscoring the urgency and importance of Rossville’s approach.
Rossville Schools also maintains venue-specific emergency action plans, routine AED maintenance, and clear signage for device locations—best practices encouraged by national health and safety experts. School officials hope their approach inspires other districts to enhance their safety protocols.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” said Dr. Hanna. “We’re proud of our team and our community for making this a priority. We hope that what we’ve done here at Rossville can serve as a model across the state.”
In an era where school safety is front and center, Rossville Consolidated School District has shown that comprehensive cardiac emergency preparedness can be both achievable and impactful and, most importantly, it can save lives.
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Photos: CPR Class: Mr. Back instructing School Staff
Mr. Feagans and Mr. Dennison Practicing CPR