Initiating Emergency Response
Here’s a snapshot of the flow of a solid emergency response.Initiation of Emergency Response
Any Employee who recognizes a medical emergency initiates the Emergency Response Plan immediately, by _______________________ [method of emergency response initiation for User Facility] and provides the following information:
- Reporting employee’s name
- Type of emergency
- Location of emergency
- Brief description of the patient
911 Notification
The communication center contacts 911 and, using established procedures, dispatches the ERT or Early Defibrillation Response Team to the location of the emergency with the appropriate equipment.
Early Defibrillation Team Response
At the scene, the ERT or AED team verifies scene safety before assessing the patient, then renders appropriate care based upon the patient’s condition and AED response protocols.
EMS Contact and Lead-In
When possible, the ERT or Early Defibrillation Response Team contacts EMS and provides lead-in instructions (directions for reaching the patient on site) to the responding EMS unit, while continuing to provide appropriate patient care until a higher medical authority arrives or the patient refuses care.
Transfer of Patient Care
Once EMS arrives, the ERT or Early Defibrillation Response Team transfers patient care to the EMS agency for appropriate advanced medical treatment and provides a report including:
- The initial time of the event
- Any care given prior to the team’s arrival
- Patient’s condition upon the team arrival
- All treatment rendered to the patient by the team
- Any available medical information about the patient
- Post-use equipment check
- Replacement of necessary supplies used
- Return of the AED to its designated location
Post Event Procedures
After transferring patient care to the EMS responders, the ERT or Early Defibrillation Response Team conducts the following post-event procedures in accordance with the protocol as provided in the Early Defibrillation Response Protocol and Flow Chart.
Debriefing Procedures
As soon as possible, a debriefing is conducted to evaluate the ERT or Early Defibrillation Response Team’s response and the potential need for emotional support of the responders involved. This debriefing can be conducted on an informal basis with the team or with the assistance of professional counselors. The Early Defibrillation Program Coordinator conducts an evaluation of all aspects of the emergency response and the strengths and deficiencies of the response plan as revealed by the incident. Modifications made to the plan must be approved by the Medical Director and discussed with the ERT or Early Defibrillation Response Team prior to any changes to the response plan.