How to Start an AED Defibrillator Program

How to Start an AED Defibrillator Program

Guidelines for Developing Effective AED Program

Policies and procedures should be set in place to govern an early defibrillation program and to explain the importance of a cardiac arrest assessment. We recommend that you offer your early defibrillation response team members the general guidance below.

Scope

The policies and procedures relate to an early defibrillation program utilizing employees who serve as trained responders in CPR and defibrillation therapy in the event of a medical emergency.

Purpose

The purpose of policies and procedures is to establish a consistent guideline for application, location, maintenance, and various other components described herein involving the early defibrillation program. It is the goal to provide the appropriate defibrillator coverage with a response time of three (3) minutes from time of incident to first shock to increase the likelihood of survival in the event of SCA. This workbook is intended to serve as a guide and checklist for the basic elements of implementing an early defibrillation program.

Definitions

Cardiac Arrest Assessment – The time from collapse to an assessment of the medical situation can take at least one minute. The chances of a victim surviving a sudden cardiac arrest decrease seven to ten percent for each minute that passes without treatment.

Early Defibrillation Response Team Member – An individual who is trained in AED use to respond to SCA medical emergencies and may also be a member of the Emergency Response Team.

Automated external defibrillator (AED or defibrillator) – An automated computerized medical device programmed to analyze heart rhythm, recognize rhythms that require defibrillation, and provide visual and voice instructions for the device operator, including, if indicated, to push the button to deliver an electric shock.

Bystander first aid/CPR – Initial first aid/CPR provided by a trained individual who is not part of an organized medical response system such as ERT or EMS.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – Rescue breathing and external cardiac compression applied to a victim in respiratory and/or sudden cardiac arrest.

Emergency Medical System (EMS) – Professional community responder agency for emergency events, who provide medical assistance and/or ambulance transport.

Emergency Response Team (ERT), or Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) – A group of medical responders who train on a regular basis to respond to medical emergencies.

Rescue breathing – Artificial ventilation of a victim in respiratory and/or sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – A significant life-threatening event when a person’s heart stops or fails to produce a pulse.

Implementation Guide

Get Your Site Assesment

0% Complete

Loading...

You're all done! See your recommended AED's below.

The best AED for your needs

Philips HeartStart OnSite AED M5066A

(2)
$1,479.00$1,689.00
Hot

Philips HeartStart FRx AED with FREE Carry Case 861304

(1)
$1,944.00$2,038.00
Hot

Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED

(1)
$2,157.00

Defibtech View AED

(1)
$1,965.00

LIFEPAK 1000 AED

$3,701.00$4,558.00

ZOLL AED Pro

$3,365.00$3,521.00

Would you like these results sent to your email?

If so, just fill our your email address below and submit.

We value your privacy and will not share, sell or rent your personal information. View our privacy policy.
Which is the best AED for my needs?
Let us help you identify the best options using our tool, Zappy!
Cost
AEDs that are budget friendly without compromising quality and performance.
Portability (Size/Wt.)
AEDs that are compact and lightweight. Great for travel and small spaces.
Durability (Dust/Water Resistance)
AEDs with high resistance to dust and water damage. Perfect for outdoors, areas near water, vehicles, and industrial settings.
CPR Feedback
AEDs with audible and/or visual feedback on the quality of compressions given during CPR. Great for untrained responders or those with limited training.
Fully Automatic Option
No shock button. The AED will automatically deliver a shock if needed. Removes the responsibility from the user. Great for untrained responders.
Pediatric Method
A pediatric key or button eliminates the need to purchase pediatric pads.
Maintenance Cost
Cost of replacement supplies for the life of the AED.
Remote Monitor Option
This feature reports the status of the AED to a web portal. Great for large or multi-location deployments. Cuts down on administrative workload. Adds accountability and ensures readiness.
Dual Language
AEDs that can toggle between two languages. Great for deployments that have diversity. English/Spanish is the preset option. Must request for alternative languages.
Required Inspection Interval
Each state requires AED maintenance per manufacturer guidelines. Some AEDs save time by requiring inspections less frequently. Great for large or multi-location deployments.