In implementing the AED Program, the AED Team Coordinator shall prepare a written plan that must specify:
- Where the AED will be placed;
- The individuals who are authorized to operate the AED;
- How AED use will be coordinated with an emergency medical service providing services in the area where the AED is located;
- The medical supervision that will be provided;
- The maintenance that will be performed on the AED;
- Records that will be kept by the program;
- Reports that will be made of AED use; and
- The name, location and telephone number of a physician, or other individual designated by the physician, or Emergency Health Care Provider to provide medical supervision of the AED program.
Identify the AED Team
The Superintendent and AED Team Coordinator will request individuals to be part of the AED Team. The Superintendent and AED Team Coordinator will consider many factors in choosing the number and members of the AED Team. The size and layout of each school and its operating hours should be considered. Staff members who already provide medical services, such as a school nurse, and those present when students are exercising, such as coaches, trainers, lifeguards and physical education teachers, should be considered members of the AED Team. Additionally, when selecting team members, consideration of possible staff turnover, and those who are present even after school hours, such as administrators, custodians, coaches, etc. will also be considered.
Coordinate with Local Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
The AED Team shall work with the local EMS to coordinate clear procedures for smooth victim “hand-off” to EMS when EMS arrives. Additionally, EMS may provide guidance on equipment choice and placement, training and medical direction, and may check the equipment each year as part of the District’s annual fire inspection.
Prescription from Physician / Medical Direction
A collaborative agreement must be established between the District and a medical supervisor to oversee the administration of the District’s AED program. This collaborative agreement will be ongoing from the date of placement and implementation of the AED. The medical supervisor will review the District plan and suggest modifications upon request.
The medical supervisor will provide a physician’s prescription with “standing orders” rescuers should follow when using an AED in a medical emergency. The medical supervisor or physician may sign off on training plans and policies and procedures, update them to take into account new treatment recommendations, evaluate data recorded on an AED during a medical emergency, and help assess each use of an AED to suggest any improvements.
AED Equipment and Vendor Selection
When choosing an AED vendor, the AED Team shall inquire as to the reputation of the vendor for reliability, durability, and ongoing support. The vendor may provide expertise in training, site assessment and policies and procedures. When selecting AED equipment and a vendor, important considerations include:
- Assess how many AEDs can be purchased (or are being donated) and where to locate each AED. Locations should be reevaluated when/if additional units are purchased or donated.
- Reputation of the AED manufacturer for product quality, reliability and customer service
- Compatibility with the equipment of the local EMS
- Easy operation with clear voice prompts
- Biphasic technology, ability to adjust shocks and energy levels to match the victim’s needs
- Defibrillation electrodes that are pre-connected to the AED
- Availability of reduced energy defibrillation electrode for victims younger than 8 years of age
Additional Development of Procedures
The AED Team shall develop additional procedures and incorporate them into the District’s Emergency Preparedness Plan and this AED Plan. Points to include in the additional procedures include:
- Actions by those who witness a cardiac emergency should take, such as one person starting CPR while others rush for the AED, notify the main office, and make sure local EMS is called.
- How to notify internal trained responders (using walk-talkies, cell phones, radios or the building public address system, for example)
- Who is responsible for bringing the AED to a victim
- Who will notify the community’s EMS team (such as using a phone near the AED or alerting the main office to call local EMS)
- How EMS will be directed to the exact location within the school (perhaps having someone meet paramedics at the front door and escort them to the victim)
- Standing orders stating when the AED should be used (only on victims who are unconscious, without a pulse, show no signs of circulation nor normal breathing)
- Procedures to follow if an AED is moved from the building to a playing field, such as notifying the AED Team Coordinator, main office or school nurse about its location and how to contact the person who has it (via cell phone or radio for example)
- How to handle data the AED records during use (patient’s heart rhythm, AED analysis, and any shock delivered)
- What to do after an event, such as notifying the AED Team Coordinator, medical supervisor, reviewing the event to determine how procedures might be improved, replenishing supplies, returning the AED to service, and stress debriefing to help responders handle their emotions after a rescue effort.
Responsibility for Operation, Maintenance and Record-Keeping
The AED Team Coordinator will appoint an individual AED Team Member at each building in which an AED is installed to be responsible for the following:
- Check the defibrillator(s) in the building on a regular basis, at least monthly
- Verify that the unit is in the proper location
- Verify that the unit has all of the appropriate equipment (battery, mask, case, emergency pack, gloves, etc.)
- Verify that the unit is ready for use, and that it has performed its self-diagnostic evaluation
- The replacement of equipment and supplies for the AED
- The repair and service of the AED
- Assist the District with proper in-house training for other individuals
- Report the need for revising the AED policy and procedures
If AED Team Member notes any problems, or the AED’s self-diagnostic test has identified any problems, or the unit is placed “out-of-service”, the AED Team Member must contact the AED Team Coordinator and the Superintendent. The AED Team Coordinator will then take the necessary steps in contacting the medical supervisor in order to rectify the issue with the AED.
After performing an AED check, the AED Team Member shall make note on an AED service log indicating that the unit has been inspected and that it was found to be “In-Service” or “Out-of-Service.” The AED Team Coordinator shall be responsible for the following:
- The AED Team Coordinator shall designate an individual who will be available during the times the AED Coordinator is not available. The designated individual shall be on the AED Team and be trained on the AED Team Coordinator responsibilities stated above.
- Maintain on file all specifications/technical information sheet for each approved AED model assigned or donated to the District/school.
- Maintain copies of the certifications and training records of the AED Team, including CPR and AED certification
- Provide and schedule opportunities for training certification and refresher training
- Assist the District with proper in-house training for other individuals
- Report the need for revising the AED policy and procedures
Refresher Training
Refresher training shall occur at least every two years or sooner if the equipment, policies or procedures change. Only those individuals who complete refresher training can be members of the AED Team.
HIPPA
No member of the AED Team shall disclose health-related information or student information regarding any person upon whom an AED is used unless it is to a local emergency medical service or licensed physician or nurse.
Cross Reference:
Legal Reference:
I.C. § 5-337 Immunity for Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Policy History:
Adopted on: May 17, 2012
Revised on: March 21, 2013