Steps Involved in a Complete and Compliant AED Program
Site/Needs Assessment: AEDs should always be highly accessible and highly visible. A high chance of a 3 minute or less response time is optimal and proven to increase survival. Quick response time is key!
Cabinet Placement: is just as critical. Make sure your facility is following ADA policies. AED Cabinets should NOT be mounted any higher than 48 inches above the floor. Cabinets that are mounted too high are too frequent of a problem.
Keep medical prescription(s) on file for your AED(s): Any manufacturer and reputable distributor will provide this to you at no charge. AEDs are class 3 medical devices regulated by the FDA. This is nothing more than a written prescription for the AED(s) at your facility. The main purpose is for FDA tracking. Almost all AEDs require Medical Authorization for commercial and/or public facility implementation. Only one model does not require a prescription. The only reason is because the manufacturer has their own “tracking” program approved by the FDA.
Obtain Medical Direction or Oversight: (This is different than Medical Prescription) Most states require some type of involvement of a physician to be involved in the establishment, written APPROVAL, and/or upkeep of written policies and response protocols. Up to date inspection records regarding AEDs and Employee Certifications may be required.
State Statute / Local Registration Compliance: Many states, cities, and counties have separate registration requirements, ranging from free online-based web registration, to one-time registration, to filling out an application packet.
EMS / Dispatch Notification: ALL states require you to notify the closest EMS District office or dispatch center if you have placed an AED at your facility. Example of Law: Any person or entity who acquires an automated external defibrillator shall notify the emergency communications district or the ambulance dispatch center of the primary provider of emergency medical services where the automated external defibrillator is to be located.
Training / Certification of Workplace Employees: The majority of states require that expected AED users receive training with certification in CPR and AED administration. Having trained responders is critical to a successful rescue. Even though many AED sales persons claim and say that anybody can use an AED, that is misunderstood. Yes, anybody can use an AED, but not everybody will. If you have never been trained in CPR & AED there is an extremely low chance you will grab an AED and try to use it. The minimum industry standard/recommendation is to have at least 5/6 people trained per AED deployed.
Maintenance and upkeep of the AED: States require that you follow the AED manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and upkeep, which include routine maintenance inspections. This is best completed through written documentation of maintenance checks through your own system or through a reputable AED provider’s system, like Marelly’s AED Compliance & Management Program.
Establish Program Awareness: Not a law, but common sense. Every person in your facility should at least be aware of the fact that AEDs are present and that trained responders should be the ones using them. A good idea is to put a list of trained responders next to, inside the case, or attached to the AED or cabinet. We encourage you to send an email out to every employee and/or put it in your company newsletter or message board.
Choosing the right AED & Accessories: NO TWO AEDs ARE THE SAME! Sure they all provide a shock, but the similarities stop there. Look at the cost of ownership, and more importantly, the level of support it will provide you, and the shelf life if the AED. Look at AEDs closely and furthermore, make sure you have proper signage & storage for where the AEDs are going to be located. Marelly can guide you through this decision making process.
Contact us with any additional questions.