CCEMS and ESD#11 recognize the importance of putting important lifesaving equipment where it is needed most, in the hands of people on the scene of emergency incidents. One way of trying to accomplish this is through a Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program. The goal of this program is to provide the training and resources to aid in the successful resuscitation of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. This goal can be achieved by making the equipment and training readily available to the public. The success of a PAD Program depends on three important factors. The location of equipment, training of personnel, and public education are all vital components of this program.<\/p>\n
The State of Texas protects any member of the public acting in good faith by using CPR and\/or and AED through the Texas Good Samaritan Law.<\/p>\n
Business, churches, and schools can apply to participate in the PAD Program. CCEMS will provide the training, AED device, and maintenance\/support of the AED. The participant provides a location to prominently display the device, advertise and promote the program, and staff to be trained in CPR\/AED use Public Access Defibrillator Program.<\/p>\n
Since the majority of these locations are staffed by lay persons, Phillips offers a defibrillator designed for lay person use. The AED is easy to use and offers step-by-step instructions and it,<\/p>\n
For more information contact Brian Gillman at bgillman@ccems.com<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Public access to defibrillation (PAD) means making AEDs available in public and\/or private places where large numbers of people gather or where people who are at high risk for heart attacks live.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person\u2019s heart rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.<\/p>\n
AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely. There are many different brands of AEDs, but the same basic steps apply to all of them. The AHA does not recommend a specific model.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
The AHA strongly advocates that all EMS first-response vehicles and ambulances be equipped with an AED or another defibrillation device (semiautomatic or manual defibrillator). The AHA also supports placing AEDs in targeted public areas such as sports arenas, gated communities, office complexes, doctor’s offices, shopping malls, etc. When AEDs are placed in the community or a business or facility, the AHA strongly encourages that they be part of a defibrillation program in which:<\/p>\n
It’s important for the local EMS system to know where AEDs are located in the community. In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, the 9-1-1 dispatcher will know if an AED is on the premises and will be able to notify the EMS system as well as the responders already on the scene.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
This is a quality control mechanism. The licensed physician or medical authority will ensure that all designated responders are properly trained and that the AED is properly maintained. He or she also can help establishments develop an emergency response plan for the AED program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Early CPR is an integral part of providing lifesaving aid to people suffering sudden cardiac arrest. CPR helps to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain. After the AED is attached and delivers a shock, the typical AED will prompt the operator to continue CPR while the device continues to analyze the victim.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
An AED operator must know how to recognize the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, when to activate the EMS system, and how to do CPR. It’s also important for operators to receive formal training on the AED model they will use so that they become familiar with the device and are able to successfully operate it in an emergency. Training also teaches the operator how to avoid potentially hazardous situations<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
AEDs are manufactured and sold under guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA may require someone who purchases an AED to present a physician’s prescription for the device.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
The police are the first responders in my community. Officials are reluctant to have them carry and use AEDs for fear of potential litigation.<\/p>\n
If the person is a trained and licensed medical first responder (MFR), an established standard of care is outlined in the law, and those operating within these guidelines are protected under these laws. These same guidelines pertain to the personnel in your EMS system. If they are not trained and licensed MFRs, check the state laws to determine if lay rescuers are given limited liability immunity. If not, they may not be protected from litigation. Agencies should seek legal counsel before implementing a defibrillation program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
The price of an AED varies by make and model. Most AEDs cost between $1,500\u2013$2,000.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Any person or entity wanting to buy an AED may first need to get a prescription from a physician. The AED should be placed for use within an AED program that includes these elements:<\/p>\n
Children over age 8 can be treated with a standard AED. For children ages 1\u20138, the AHA recommends the pediatric attenuated pads that are purchased separately.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
The AHA does not recommend a specific device. All AED models have similar features, but the slight differences between them allow them to meet a variety of needs. The AHA encourages potential buyers to consider all models and make a selection based on the buyer’s particular needs. The local EMS system can help you with this decision.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>