As a facility manager, you know the importance of incorporating the use of onsite automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to address sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) as part of your overall workplace safety protocols. But just having an AED sitting somewhere in your facility is not enough. Your AEDs need to be available and operational.
A comprehensive AED program has many facets that need to be included for a robust, compliant program. Here’s a refresher on the various aspects of a good AED management program.
Legal requirements concerning AEDs in your state or locality
An AED management program should ensure that both federal and local laws are being satisfied by your AED program and that your compliance is being properly documented. Your management program should stay up-to-date on legislation and regulations in each state concerning defibrillators and provide services to make sure you stay in compliance.
Here are some examples of requirements an AED management program should help you fulfill:
- In the U.S., there is a federal regulation requiring medical authorization and oversight by a physician for the purchase and use of Class III medical devices like AEDs. States and counties may pass additional rules about the licensing of physicians who give medical authorization for AEDs.
- All 50 states have regulations concerning defibrillator use. Laws vary from state to state regarding the types of facilities required to have an AED and proper placement within those facilities. Some states require notification of the AED locations within the facility to your local emergency medical services (EMS) agency.
- Every state has Good Samaritan Laws to help limit liability for AED users. Some states also cover the owner of the AED, but the owner must be in full compliance with all AED regulations at the time of the incident. For some states, that includes a post-event review by an overseeing physician of the recorded data on an AED that was used.
AED inspections and maintenance
Maintenance of your AEDs is crucial to assure proper function when the device is needed. This report by Cardiovascular Business notes that, “battery and power problems were the cause of failures in 23.2 percent of cases, while pads and connectors were cited for 23.7 percent of failures.”
An AED management program is essential to assure proper operational status. A program will provide self-inspection and send reminders concerning battery and electrode expirations. If you don’t want to perform the inspections and maintenance yourself, be sure that the personnel of the management program you use are certified.
A good management software tool is easy to use and update, making record keeping stress free and efficient -- especially if you have several AEDs in multiple facilities. Scheduled, documented maintenance keeps your devices covered under warranty. And, if there are any manufacturer recalls or FDA alerts, an AED management program can notify and advise you on what to do about the affected devices.
Training and certification of AED/CPR responders in your organization
Many states require AED training for expected users. Keeping track of expirations of CPR/AED certifications and scheduling training of employees can be a challenge, especially when you have a large team. An AED program should, at the least, include software to track certification expirations and send email reminders when recertifications are coming due. A full-service AED management program will also facilitate the scheduling of training classes.
ZOLL® has everything you need for complete AED program management
ZOLL’s Rescue Ready® Services include all the tools, services and technical support you need to build a comprehensive, web-based, interactive AED program tailored to the needs of your organization.
- With PlusTrac™ AED Program Management software, you have access to real-time status reports for all your AEDs. PlusTrac’s remote monitoring safeguards AED readiness with an alert if one of your monitored devices needs troubleshooting and sends reminder emails when electrode and battery replacements are due. We can also track expirations of your team’s CPR and AED certifications and send email reminders to schedule training.
- If you prefer to use the services of factory-certified AED technicians to keep your devices in working order, PlusCare™ is your solution. We send background-checked, drug-screened technicians to your facility to complete annual AED inspections, maintenance and service. Between annual visits, PlusCare experts are available for ongoing customer support, including post-rescue assistance.
- PlusLearning™ training support simplifies the process of training and maintaining your team’s CPR and AED certifications. Our nationally accredited training courses are taught by experienced medical professionals and delivered in the mode you prefer: in-person at your facility, online or a mix of both class types.
ZOLL’s comprehensive AED program management solution will ensure your compliance and readiness. If you would like a free trial of PlusTrac™ AED program management, click here to request more information.
