Automated External Defibrillators (AED's)

CODE: EBCF-E

Maine School Administrative District No. 31

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED'S)

Background

The majority of sudden cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital setting. The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation (VF) accounting for about 85% of cases. The single most important determinant of survival is the time from collapse to defibrillation and restoration of normal cardiac rhythm. Studies have shown that defibrillation within the first three (3) minutes of witnessed VF arrest results in survival rates >50%. With every one (1) minute delay to defibrillation survival rates decrease by 7-10%, influenced by the presence and quality of bystander CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). After twelve (12) minutes of VF, survival rates in adults drop to <5%. Timely defibrillation saves lives. The more rapid the access to defibrillation, the more likely it will save a life.

The placement of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for M.S.A.D. #31 has been offered through a grant by Penobscot Valley Hospital to be placed at the Penobscot Valley High School/Hichborn Middle School complex. M.S.A.D. #31 has also purchased one through Northeast EMS for Enfield Station School. This placement and a program of training for individuals who are likely to be present at the events happening at the school during and outside of the usual school hours may result in lives saved through timely intervention. The coordinators, authorized AED users, and overseers all obtain training and maintain this program on a voluntary basis. This policy is written to provide guidance in the management of this program.

The Automated External Defibrillator

The AED is used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. It is only applied to victims who are unconscious, without a pulse, signs of circulation, and normal breathing. The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable rhythm is detected. If a shockable rhythm is detected the AED will charge to the appropriate energy level and advise the operator to deliver the shock.

Authorized AED Users

Staff and community members trained in its use may use the AED.

Training

Training sessions will be conducted initially as required to establish a core of trained users. Subsequently users will renew their training annually. The school nurse or her designee will keep training records.

Equipment

Location: The AED and all accessory equipment will be located in a central area of the high school/middle school (Penobscot Valley High School and Hichborn Middle School) complex and at the elementary school (Enfield Station School) providing ready access to the device. Its location will be well marked.

Location of AEDs:

PVHS gym entrance

Lobby of Enfield Station School

Maintenance: The school nurse or designee will check the AED monthly. The machine will be made to perform a self-diagnostic test that includes battery strength and an evaluation of internal components. A checklist of the equipment and accessories will be kept with the AED, initialed, and dated at each system review.

Accessory equipment: There will be sets of defibrillator pads, as well as a resuscitation kit containing two (2) pairs of latex free gloves, one razor, one set of trauma shears, one facemask barrier device, and several paper towels stored with attached to the handle of AED.

Post-event Review

Following each use of the AED, a review shall be conducted to learn from the experience. The AED medical advisor will conduct and record the review. All key participants in the event will participate in the review. A copy of the review summary will be maintained with training and program records. It is desirable that the area EMS or other agency responsible for the area use of AED's be involved in the review of data so that education may be garnered from a wider base and hared across users.

Annual System Assessment

Once each calendar year the medical advisor and/or school nurse will conduct and document a review of the program including training records, equipment operation and maintenance records, and event review.

First reading: 9/20/06

Second reading: 10/18/06