10 Key Essentials for Proper AED
Implementation with the Schools

The first and most important step in the development of a CPR and AED program is the formation of a Task Force on Early CPR and Defibrillation.  Leadership designs and monitors the program to assure quality. This includes a task force coordinator, medical director and CPR-AED educator. A school-based task force would typically consist of representatives from the school and medical community. When developing a task force “smaller is better”. A task force that consists of a large number of members is likely to get bogged down in discussion and debate, a potential barrier to efficiency and effectiveness. A smaller task force of 5 to 7 members including a: Task Force Coordinator, Medical Director, CPR-AED Educator, Device Coordinator, School Administrator and a few “resource personnel” is more than enough to handle the implementation issues.
 

Review the number of AEDs needed within the School?  Evaluate at least three different manufacturers product offering of AEDs.  There are a number of differences between the manufacturers that should be considered.  If your unhappy or believe what you purchased or were provided free is not adequate in comparison to other AEDs being offered, talk to us about our trade-in program.
 

Placement of AEDs will be one of the most important choices made by the school. The location of the AED will determine the speed at which the device will be delivered to the victim’s side in the event of an emergency. There are three important considerations when selecting locations for AEDs: The AEDs should be placed within a 1 minute to 1 ½ of a brisk walk from any location in a facility (or approximately 2 to 3 minute roundtrip from a collapsed victim) For athletic and other outside events, the AED may be transported to the event by school staff. 

The AED should be placed in a conspicuous location so the rescuers will always know the location of the closest device.

Insure that local EMS know the exact location of AEDs.
 

When possible, AEDs should be located near a phone so that the EMS system can be activated simultaneously with the retrieval of the AED.

Other phone placement considerations: have even been implemented above AED cabinets at some schools.
 

These are available in plastic, steel and stainless steel. The models are also offered in a recessed version to be flush with the wall if this would prove to be preferable. A preference alarmed cabinets also available with a strobe light. AED cabinets can also be wired to an existing security system which transmits a signal directly to the fire and rescue center. The cabinet alarm panes can also be tied to the public address system. The integration allows broadcasting of an overhead page calling for assistance to respond. An emergency 911 cellular phone in an accessory kit is also an option. Some schools have placed their cabinets within view of the school buildings’ video system.
 

Our Fast Response Kit sometimes referred to as a prep kit contains the following items:  (1ea) CPR mask from Ambu Res-Cue with detailed instructions,  (1ea)  Razor,  (1pr) Stainless Steel EMT Sissors,  (2 pr) Nitrile Disposable GLoves,       (3 ea) Antimicrobial Hand Wipe packets and (1ea) Disposable Towel .  All of these items are placed in a "Save A Life" red canvas bag with a clip on the end to attach to your AED case.  The purpose of these items is as follows:

Nitrile Disposable Gloves- For additional protection, 2 pair of Nirtile disposable gloves are included.  One never knows the type of accident that may have brought on sudden cardiac arrest.  In the event of an automobile accident, or someone falling there is a high probability that blood could exist which is why our Fast Response Kit comes with Disposable Nitrile Gloves.

Antimicrobial Hand Wipes - Good hygiene is always the best approach.  The number of individuals assisting a victim should have properly cleaned hands.  In the event that a rescuer is assisting a loved one or personal friend where no open wounds or blood exists, it is possible that being in an extreme hurry that one may elect not to use the enclosed gloves.  At a bare minimum the rescuer should use the Antimicrobial Hand Wipes provided.   

CPR MASK - The Ambu Res-Cue Mask provides a physical barrier between the rescuer and victim, eliminating direct contact of the rescuer's lips with unknowm subject.  The Res-Cue Mask promoted an airtight seal to the face allowing ventilation through both the mouth and nose simultaneiously.  An excellent mask for both Audlts and Children.  Our high quality mask may be used with the Bag-Valve Mask ventilation devices simply by detaching  the valve/filter assembly and attaching  the Res-Cue Mask to the device. 

Stainless Steel EMT Scissors- Since time is critical is attempting to save a life, these special EMT Scissors are to cut the victims clothing covering his or her upper body (chest area) including a bra. 

Disposable Towel- Our Fast Reponse Kit includes a disposable towel so that your able to dry off an individual prior to pad (electrode) placement.  We believe due to the many area's where a hot environment exists thus sweating occurs or helping someone who has been swimming, you must be able to dry the victims chest area.  For this reason, we elected to include a disposable towel

 Razor- The razor in the Fast Response Kit, sometimes called a prep kit is like the disposable razors that men shave with.  The purpose is to shave any excess hair that a male victim may have on his chest so that the pads (electrodes) will stick.

Please keep in mind that there are specific procedures for using the above items when one receives CPR and AED certified training.  However, my concern is for those individuals who are acting as a good samaritan, or those individuals who never went through the certification training.  In an emergency one nevers knows how one might react and specifically if it's a spouse or a child.  One must always attempt to be prepared from our perspective for every conceivable senerio.  Thus planning for the worst to occur and hoping for the best.

Signage placement assures the students, staff and visitors understand the purpose of the AEDs and the potential consequences of tampering with the equipment.

Signage should include a window decal indicating that AEDs on on the premises.  We offer special signs that can be written on to indicate where the nearest AED is located.  We find these very useful on the inside of every bathroom door.  We also offer a sign that goes above the AED cabinet that simply says, "Upon Hearing Alarm, CALL 911".  We never know how someone in an emergency may react, thus assuming the worst and planning for the worst makes sense.
 

The inspection tags are simply to insure that the AED has been inspected on a monthly basis (as a bare minimum).  The inspector simply places his or her initials on the inspection tag along with the date to signify that the AED was checked.  This historical information pertaining to inspection will play a vital part in keeping AEDs ready in the event of an emergency.

Pads and battery life must be checked along with insuring that the unit is in a ready mode.  Remember, AED pads (electodes) have a two (2) year shelf life.  You will find a date on the outside of the package indicating when the pads expire.  Currently Zoll is the only AED manufacturer who offers pads with a 4 year shelf life.
 

School systems should also implement age-appropriate CPR and AED training to be certain that every student develops competency skills before graduation. Insure that the school staff has been trained and retrained in how to perform CPR and use the AEDs.

Purchase a "trainer" and let everyone handle the trainer.  In the event of an emergency whereas no trained personnel are present, one should never conclude that they are unable to use an AED because they weren't trained.  We must insure that we are not sending a subliminal message that if you haven't been trained and certified, your useless and can do nothing.  AEDs are easy simple devices and every trainer should be extremely vocal in explaining the good samaritan law and the fact that untrained students can also save a life utilizing an AED specifically when a trained responder isn't present.  

Review the American Heart Association’s, Chain of Survival.
 

All School systems should assess their ability to respond effectively to sudden cardiac emergencies that may occur in school or at school events, not only to protect students, but adults as well, since schools are regularly used as mass gathering places.