Automated External Defibrillator Program Environmental Health and Safety Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431 Phone: 561 297 3129 Fax: 561 297 2210 Email: ehs@fau.edu Web: www.fau.edu/ehs May, 2014 NOTICE: Copies of this publication can be obtained in an alternate format by contacting Environmental Health & Safety at ehs@fau.edu or 561-297-3129. This publication is available in standard print, Braille, or electronically for people with disabilities. Please allow at least 10 days to process this request.
Table of Contents 1 PURPOSE... 2 2 SCOPE... 2 3 RESPONSIBILITIES... 2 3.1 AED OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE... 2 3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY (EH&S)... 3 3.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AED SITE COORDINATOR... 4 4 AED PURCHASES... 4 5 EXISTING AEDS... 5 6 HARDSHIP AED PURCHASES... 5 7 AED PLACEMENT... 5 8 INSPECTIONS... 6 9 AED MAINTENANCE... 7 10 TRAINING... 7 11 AED POST-INCIDENT REPORTING... 7 12 AED USE PROCEDURES... 8 13 FAU AED POST INCIDENT REPORT FORM... 9 FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 1
1 Purpose Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To that end, the objective of the FAU Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program is to establish University-wide oversight of AEDs on FAU campuses in order to maximize the effectiveness of those AEDs in the event they should ever need to be used. The program is designed to ensure consistency in purchasing, placement, training, maintenance, and oversight of AEDs on FAU campuses. 2 Scope Use of AEDs at FAU facilities will be in compliance with the responsibilities and procedures outlined in this program and consistent with Florida Statues. This program applies to individuals trained on the proper use of AEDs; departments with AED units currently in place; and departments that are considering, or in the process of purchasing, AED units. For the purposes of this program, AEDs fall into one of two categories, Public Access or Portable/Dedicated Use. Public Access AEDs are defined as those units that are placed in wall-mounted boxes located in areas accessible to all building occupants and the general public. Portable/Dedicated Use AEDs are defined as those units that are carried from place to place by designated staff for dedicated purposes or those units that are located in areas that are not accessible to all building occupants and are not accessible to the general public. This program applies to both categories of AEDs; however, Portable/Dedicated Use AEDs are subject to the following deviations from the responsibilities and procedures outlined in the program: These units are not required to be placed in wall-mounted boxes, but they may be if so desired. Specific staff members who are expected to use the units must be identified, and a list of their names, must be kept up to date and provided to EH&S. Training for all staff expected to use these units is mandatory and those staff members must maintain current certification in CPR/AED at all times. 3 Responsibilities 3.1 AED Oversight Committee The AED Oversight Committee, a subcommittee of the University Safety Committee (USC), will consist of representatives from the USC as determined by the Chair of the USC. The FAU AED Oversight Committee will meet on an as needed basis when AED program updates, incidents of FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 2
AED use, or AED purchasing hardship cases require meetings. Any member of the USC or the AED Oversight Committee may also call a meeting. The AED Oversight Committee is responsible for the following: Ensuring the FAU AED Program is periodically reviewed and updated as needed. Reviewing incidents of AED use to ensure program requirements were met and to determine if any changes or improvements are necessary. Assisting in determining where AEDs may be needed Reviewing hardship AED purchasing applications to determine if alternative funding sources are available and if use of alternative funds is warranted. Coordinating with Purchasing to specify the types of AED units that may be purchased. 3.2 Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Environmental Health & Safety is responsible for the day to day oversight and operation of Florida Atlantic University s AED Program. Specifically, EH&S is responsible for the following: Updating the FAU AED Program, forms, and web site information as needed. Collecting and maintaining program records, including AED Site Coordinator lists, AED purchase requests, AED unit, location, and maintenance information, training documentation, and Post-Incident Report forms. Making the University Community aware of the FAU AED Program and the locations of all public access AEDs on FAU Campuses. Providing AED training and identifying other training resources on campus. Maintaining maps of all public access AED locations on FAU campuses and providing AED locations to local EMS providers and the FAU Police Department. Overseeing the departmental AED application and registration process. Reviewing and approving departmental requests for AED purchases. Coordinating with requesting departments to ensure departments are fully briefed on all program responsibilities, purchasing costs, and training requirements. Performing annual reviews of departments maintaining AEDs to ensure departments have AED Site Coordinators and comply with the FAU AED Program. Working with AED Site Coordinators to identify proper locations for AED units. Contracting for annual inspections and maintenance of AED units. Providing back up AED units, if possible, when AED units must be taken out of service or removed from the site. Participating in reviews of each AED use incident to ensure proper procedures were followed and making recommendations for improvements when appropriate. Ensuring the AED vendor is notified after an AED is used in order to assist with the download of information, check the unit, and to replenish supplies. Coordinating AED Oversight Committee meetings. FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 3
3.3 Responsibilities of the AED Site Coordinator The AED Site Coordinator is responsible for implementing the AED program within their department or unit and serves as the primary contact for the AED(s) in their work area. The AED Site Coordinator is responsible for the performing the following duties: Ensuring departmental compliance with the FAU AED Program. Completing a CPR/AED training certification and periodic re-certification training as required. Identifying AED users in their department, unit, or building and coordinating initial certification and required re-certification training for each user. Notifying department employees and building occupants of the AED location and of the personnel who have been trained to use AEDs. Conducting monthly visual inspections of the AED unit and the cabinet, checking the AED status indicator light, and inventorying the emergency kit contents stored with the AED. Notifying EH&S whenever a visual inspection reveals a need for maintenance of the unit or replacement of any AED equipment and supplies according to the manufacturer s recommendations. Ensuring a Post-Incident Report form is completed each time an AED unit is used or if there is an attempted use of a unit. Ensuring completed Post-Incident Report forms are forwarded to EH&S immediately after any attempted or actual AED use. Notifying EH&S if they can no longer fulfill their duties as an AED Site Coordinator and a replacement is needed. 4 AED Purchases A department or unit interested in obtaining an AED for their building or area should contact EH&S by calling 561-297-3129 or via e-mail at ehs@fau.edu to submit a request. EH&S will coordinate with the requesting department to provide the department with an overview of the FAU AED program guidelines, discuss potential building locations for the AED, explain initial costs to purchase the AED unit, provide consultation to the department in their selection of a departmental AED Site Coordinator, and discuss training of departmental staff who volunteer to receive AED training. Requesting departments are financially responsible for the initial purchase of AED equipment, including any installation, and training costs. EH&S will provide annual inspections and replacement supplies (pads, etc.) at no cost to the department. Requesting departments must agree to name an AED Site Coordinator, recruit volunteers for AED training, conduct required monthly AED status and equipment checks, and purchase the type of AED specified by the University. Each AED package must include an AED unit, a wall- mounted storage cabinet, an AED wall sign, and a prescription. FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 4
5 Existing AEDs FAU departments that have purchased an AED prior to the implementation of the FAU AED Program must provide EH&S with the location of their department s AED(s), the brand name, model, serial number, and the name of their AED Site Coordinator. This information will allow EH&S to include all AEDs in a campus-wide inventory, provide local EMS and FAU Police with the AED location(s), and allow the department in possession of the AED to participate in the AED tracking and monitoring program. It is important that EH&S monitor all FAU AEDs to ensure they are operable, maintained as required, and have appropriate medical oversight and a prescription. For FAU departments who already have an existing AED, but wish to purchase a replacement AED, a trade-in program may be available depending on the vendor. It should be noted that older AED units may not be eligible for trade-in based on their age, condition, and/or frequency of recall notices on the unit. EH&S will work with department to obtain a fair trade-in value based on the condition of the existing AED unit. Copies of all records shall be forwarded to EH&S. If a department has an AED that is being replaced, but which is not eligible for trade-in, the department should contact EH&S for proper disposal of the AED. 6 Hardship AED Purchases Departments, who feel they should have an AED placed in their building, but who do not have the ability to pay the initial purchase and installation costs, may apply for a hardship AED purchase. The department will complete the Hardship AED Purchase Application, and send it to EH&S. The AED Oversight Committee will evaluate the application and determine if alternative funds are available and whether those funds should be used to purchase an AED for the department making application. If the application is approved, the department must agree to name an AED Site Coordinator, recruit volunteers for AED training, and conduct required monthly AED status and equipment checks. If at any time administrators associated with the requesting department determine that the department is no longer able to support the operation of the AED, or the AED is no longer needed, the AED will be returned to EH&S for reassignment or appropriate disposal. 7 AED Placement The department or unit purchasing the AED will coordinate with EH&S to identify the most appropriate location in the requestor s building for proper placement. The default placement of AEDs will be in the first floor lobby area of a building. If another location is chosen, the following placement guidelines should be considered: FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 5
A sign should be placed in a conspicuous place in the lobby denoting the location of any AEDs in the building. Placement of the unit for optimal response time should be a priority. Placement location should be visible and accessible to the public. Consider placing the unit in a well-supervised area and/or an area covered by security cameras to prevent tampering or theft. Locations near conference rooms, theaters, public use areas, and other high traffic areas are often ideal placement areas. Location where the building name, address, and room location are well-marked. AED units in buildings should be identified with signage placed above the unit in a highly visible location. Security along with accessibility should be considered for the placement of AED units in outdoor facilities which may or may not be supervised at all times during the day. Public Access AEDs must be stored in a wall mounted storage box consistent with the manufacturer s guidelines. Each cabinet should have a local alarm and/or connect to the University Police Department when the box is opened. In addition, the AED user manual, any inspection, and maintenance forms and the AED emergency supply equipment must be stored in the AED wall-mounted box with the AED unit. Emergency supply equipment for each AED should include adult electrode pads, pediatric electrode pads (when appropriate), nitrile gloves, CPR barrier mask, scissors to assist in exposing the chest, and a disposable razor. 8 Inspections AED Site Coordinators are responsible for monthly inspection checks of each AED unit under their purview. Monthly inspection checks include a visual check of the unit (and the wall-mounted box, if applicable), a check of the AED status indicator light to ensure it is green, and an inventory of the emergency kit equipment maintained in the AED cabinet. Batteries for the AED storage box alarm should be checked for functionality and replaced as needed. AED Site Coordinators should coordinate with EH&S in order to be set up on the AED management system. EH&S will remind AED Site Coordinators to check their AED units on a monthly basis, send reminders to replace electrode pads and batteries, provide reminders of staff CPR and AED certification expirations, and notify the AED Site Coordinator of any software updates and recalls. AED Site Coordinators should immediately contact EH&S if an AED is damaged, missing, if the status light is red, pads are expired, or any supplies are missing or expired. AED Site Coordinators should also notify EH&S if there are any potential warranty issues associated with their AED unit(s). FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 6
9 AED Maintenance Any maintenance requirements arising from the monthly visual inspections conducted by AED Site Coordinators are to be reported to EH&S. EH&S will contract with an AED vendor to perform maintenance and conduct annual inspections of each FAU AED unit, checking for exterior cracks or damage, examining batteries, pads, cables, connectors, and conducting a check for any problems that may have been detected by the AED unit s self-diagnostic test. Battery packs and electrode pads will be replaced prior to their expiration dates through the AED vendor. 10 Training Departmental representatives, who volunteer to participate as trained AED users, must complete and maintain a certificate in CPR/AED training that meets or exceeds the standards associated with the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross (ARC) or the National Safety Council. CPR and AED training is voluntary unless it is a requirement of a written job description. Voluntary training does not impose a requirement to respond or civil liability on the volunteer unless the action is willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless disregard or misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the victim who was harmed (768.1325, Florida Statues). CPR/AED training is offered for a nominal fee by EH&S throughout the year and the training schedule is available at http://www.fau.edu/facilities/ehs/training/. CPR/AED training is also available through a number of other outlets at FAU including, Health and Wellness Education, Campus Recreation, and the College of Medicine Simulation Center. CPR/AED training can also be obtained from external sources such as the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or the National Safety Council. AED Site Coordinators are responsible for identifying several building staff members who volunteer to complete CPR/AED certification training. Any training costs are the responsibility of the department/unit. If the training certificate is not issued by EH&S, AED Site Coordinators must forward a copy of the staff member s certification to EH&S. EH&S will send the staff member, e- mail reminders when CPR/AED re-certification training is due. 11 AED Post-Incident Reporting Following the use or attempted use of an AED unit, the AED Site Coordinator should immediately complete the AED Post Incident Report Form and send the form to EH&S. A thorough inspection of the unit, decontamination of the unit, and replacement of the used electrodes in accordance with manufacturer s guidelines must occur prior to placing the AED unit back into service. Call EH&S immediately to have the unit inspected prior to placing it back in service. If used, supplies and FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 7
equipment in the emergency supply kit with the AED should be discarded and replenished. Any supplies or equipment contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials must be e discarded as medical waste. Contact EH&S for proper disposal. It is important to note that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel or physicians who treat the victim may want to retrieve data stored on the AED unit. Follow the manufacturer s guidelines in retrieving the information and/or provide the unit to EMS or medical personnel, as requested. Immediately notify EH&S if an AED has been removed from a site for this purpose. Whenever an AED unit is taken out of service or removed from site, EH&S will supply a back-up unit, if one is available, until the original unit is placed back in service or returned to the site. 12 AED Use Procedures Important Note: Any person who uses or attempts to use an automated external defibrillator device on a victim of a perceived medical emergency, without objection of the victim of the perceived medical emergency, is immune from civil liability for any harm resulting from the use or attempted use of such device according to Florida s Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (768.1325, Florida Statutes). Call 911 to notify EMS of the problem. If possible, the nearest building AED user or other first responder with active CPR/AED certification card should be notified. Begin CPR until an AED is retrieved or EMS arrives. The closest AED unit should be retrieved by an individual other than the person(s) performing CPR on the patient. Send a nearby individual familiar with the building or location to meet the responding EMS unit outside the building on the street in order to facilitate the most direct route to the patient. Follow the instructions of arriving EMS personnel and assist them per their directions. REFERENCES AED program materials associated with University of Georgia, Michigan State University, and the Georgia Institute of Technology. FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 8
13 FAU AED POST INCIDENT REPORT FORM Click on this link to access the FAU AED Post Incident Report Form. FAU Automated External Defibrillator Program 9