NWESD Policy Manual & Administrative Procedures

4262-P – Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Procedures

The purpose of this procedure is to assist employees who are trained and willing to use an AED in the event such use is necessary. These procedures do not create an obligation to use the AEDs, nor do they create an expectation that trained staff will be present at every event where use of the AED might be beneficial.

At each NWESD 189 facility where an AED is present, the NWESD 189 will select and train staff members in its use. If an event occurs requiring use of an AED, trained staff will:

1. Dial 911 immediately;
2. Follow Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedures; and
3. Retrieve and use the AED as training dictates.

Pre-placement

1. Approved Equipment:
   1. All AEDs purchased or donated for placement in NWESD 189 facilities must meet the requirements of, and be approved by Skagit County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
   2. To the extent possible, the brand of AED used should be the same throughout NWESD 189 facilities to provide consistency in training and operation.
   3. The NWESD 189 will maintain on file a specifications/technical information sheet for each approved AED model purchased or donated to the NWESD 189.
   4. The NWESD 189 will notify local EMS of the existence and location of the AEDs.
2. Training:
   1. Selected staff will be provided with an initial training course approved by the Washington State Department of Health in the use of AEDs.
   2. Upon acquiring the defibrillator, medical direction in using CPR and using the AED will be obtained from an approved provider.
   3. AED use will be included in CPR training programs arranged by the NWESD 189. The course wi11 include demonstrating proficiency in adult CPR, and the following:
      1. Safe and effective use of the AED device and
      2. Common troubleshooting techniques for an AED
   4. Proficiency re-training for NWESD 189 employees certified in AED-CPR skills will be required every two years.
   5. Any employee may receive training in the use of the AED. Absent a contractual requirement, training is voluntary.
   6. Employees should use the AED only to the extent their training allows.
   7. Employees trained to use an AED will only be held to the standards embodied in the state’s Good Samaritan Legislation (RCW 4.24.300).

Pre-Event

1. Accessibility, availability, security:
   1. The AED will be housed in a designated location that allows for security and visibility. Staff should be able to access the device outside of normal business hours.
   2. Community members and individuals using NWESD 189 facilities on a contractual basis are not guaranteed access to an AED or AED trained staff.
2. Routine maintenance:
   1. A schedule for maintaining the AED will be dictated by the product manufacturer and the Washington Department of Health.
   2. Most AEDs perform periodic self-diagnosis, including a check of battery strength and an evaluation of internal components.
   3. A designated Safety Committee member will be responsible for checking the AED, including monitoring battery and maintenance indicators, and will immediately contact the appropriate staff member if the device needs to be serviced or if supplies are missing or will soon expire.
   4. Periodic maintenance of the AED will be documented by dating and initialing a card located in the AED storage cabinet.

Event

1. Staff trained in the use of an AED are volunteers and are not expected to place their own safety in jeopardy in order to aid others. The scene around the victim must be made safe before a rescue is attempted.
2. If an event occurs requiring use of an AED, trained staff should first ensure that EMS has been contacted and then proceed as their training in use of the AED dictates.
3. Upon arrival of EMS personnel, NWESD 189 employees will immediately tum responsibility for care of the victim over to EMS.

Post-Event

1. Event Data:
   1. Immediately following the incident, the Assistant Superintendent for Operations or designee will contact EMS to retrieve data from the AED.
   2. The Assistant Superintendent for Operations or designee will document the name of the fire/rescue responder and include this information on the NWESD 189 incident form.
2. Return of the AED to operational service: As soon as possible after the event, a designated Safety Committee member will complete a post-event checklist to ensure that the AED is returned to operational condition, including replacement of any single use items.
3. Critical event stress debriefing: NWESD 189 employees may arrange an informal debriefing regarding the incident. EMS may also assist in setting up and/or participating in a debriefing.

Presented to Board: 10/26/16

Date Revised: 10/26/16