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| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) |
AEDs are simple to use and the operator is directed through audible prompts. A
microprocessor inside the defibrillator analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm
through adhesive electrodes and advises whether a shock is needed. AEDs
advise a shock only to ventricular fibrillation and fast ventricular tachycardia,
the most common reasons for SCA. The electric current is delivered through
the victim’s chest wall through adhesive electrode pads. The defibrillator will
not charge unless it detects a “shockable” rhythm and therefore, will not allow
an unadvised shock to be delivered. A responder cannot shock a victim
microprocessor inside the defibrillator analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm
inappropriately.
Q: What do the Good Samaritan Laws provide?
The Good Samaritan Laws provide a general framework for designing Public
Access Defibrillation (PAD) Programs for business, private home, office
buildings, malls, golf courses, etc. They provide basic information about the
essential elements of a PAD program. The laws vary from state to state and it is
important to be aware of the laws for the state where each program is located.
The goal of most Good Samaritan Laws is to provide protection from liability for
all connected with the use of an AED as long as the guidelines are met.
Q: What materials is Life Saving Solutions based upon?
Life Saving Solutions AED programs are based upon the best practices of
current Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Programs as well as Good
Samaritan Laws, and recommendations and literature on AEDs from the
American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC).
Q: What does “Public Access Defibrillation” mean?
“Public access'' refers to the accessibility of the AED device itself. “Public
access” does NOT mean that any member of the public who witnesses a person
in cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation should use an AED to treat them.
Although the laws differ in all states, it is recommended that anyone using an
AED be certified in CPR and trained in the use of the AED.
Q: What is the difference between PAD Programs and AED Programs?
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. This is the actual machine
that is used to defibrillate victims of sudden cardiac arrest. PAD is defined in
the question above. The terms AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and PAD
(Public Access Defibrillation) are often used interchangeably when referring to
first responder programs. AED programs include PAD programs, but also may
include other programs, such as those associated with hospitals, where lay
responders are not a part of the response team.
Q: What are the essential parts of a PAD Program?
Each PAD program should include the following major elements:
Q: Are protocols or standard operating procedures necessary for a successfulPAD Program?
A key element in assuring that your PAD program will be clearly understood and
will function well is the development of written protocols. These protocols
should be periodically reviewed and revised, when appropriate, by the Medical
Director.
Q: Does your company need a physician’s prescription to obtain an AED?
Yes. AEDs are prescription devices. In a PAD Program, plans and protocols
that are approved by a supervising physician are considered a prescription.
Once the physician has approved and signed off on AED selection and
placement, this becomes the authorizing prescription for procurement of the
device(s). The physician then needs to either write or approve the protocol
regarding the placement and use of the AED.
Recently, AEDs for home use have been developed which do not require a
prescription. However, Medical Direction is needed for use of this machine in
any other environment outside of the home.
Q: Does my company need an AED protocol?
Yes. The protocol for AED usage that is developed as part of a facility's PAD
Program is an integral part of the physician's prescription and serves as the
authorizing document for AED use. Essentially, the protocols that are signed
by the Medical Director set the medical standards and criteria for the operation
of the PAD Program and all of its components. Systems operated within the
boundaries and criteria of these signed protocols are considered to be under a
physician's supervision.
Q: Who provides medical oversight of PAD Programs?
AEDs are medical devices that are to be used under the advice and consent of a
physician. This oversight can be provided either by a facility's own medical
staff, contract physician or by the company-wide designated physician. It is
best to seek medical input from the very beginning of the design of your
program.
Q: Does a company’s PAD Program need to be reviewed by their legal
department?
Yes. Any PAD program should be reviewed by legal counsel to ensure that the
program is in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local rules and
regulations.
Q: Should Lay Responders/Rescuers (LRR) be trained?
A: Yes. A volunteer AED Response Team should be trained and designated as
the first responders to a cardiac emergency. The greater the number of well-
trained LRRs who are available, the more effective a PAD Program will be.
Overall effectiveness will be improved as the number of personnel who are fully
trained and willing to respond increases.
Q: Are AEDs safe to use on children?
An AED can be used on children. Most manufacturers come equipped with
pediatric capability i.e. special pads. The pediatric pads are to be used with
children under 80 pounds. The AED can also be used on children with adult
pads should the pediatric pads not be available.
Q: Where should AEDs be placed?
There is no set “formula” to determine the number and placement for AEDs.
However, there are several factors that should be considered: (1) an optimal
response time of three minutes or less and (2) assessing the level of risk in a
facility's environment.
Many elements help determine the placement of AEDs. The major elements are:
microprocessor inside the defibrillator analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm
through adhesive electrodes and advises whether a shock is needed. AEDs
advise a shock only to ventricular fibrillation and fast ventricular tachycardia,
the most common reasons for SCA. The electric current is delivered through
the victim’s chest wall through adhesive electrode pads. The defibrillator will
not charge unless it detects a “shockable” rhythm and therefore, will not allow
an unadvised shock to be delivered. A responder cannot shock a victim
microprocessor inside the defibrillator analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm
inappropriately.
Q: What do the Good Samaritan Laws provide?
The Good Samaritan Laws provide a general framework for designing Public
Access Defibrillation (PAD) Programs for business, private home, office
buildings, malls, golf courses, etc. They provide basic information about the
essential elements of a PAD program. The laws vary from state to state and it is
important to be aware of the laws for the state where each program is located.
The goal of most Good Samaritan Laws is to provide protection from liability for
all connected with the use of an AED as long as the guidelines are met.
Q: What materials is Life Saving Solutions based upon?
Life Saving Solutions AED programs are based upon the best practices of
current Automated External Defibrillation (AED) Programs as well as Good
Samaritan Laws, and recommendations and literature on AEDs from the
American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC).
Q: What does “Public Access Defibrillation” mean?
“Public access'' refers to the accessibility of the AED device itself. “Public
access” does NOT mean that any member of the public who witnesses a person
in cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation should use an AED to treat them.
Although the laws differ in all states, it is recommended that anyone using an
AED be certified in CPR and trained in the use of the AED.
Q: What is the difference between PAD Programs and AED Programs?
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. This is the actual machine
that is used to defibrillate victims of sudden cardiac arrest. PAD is defined in
the question above. The terms AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and PAD
(Public Access Defibrillation) are often used interchangeably when referring to
first responder programs. AED programs include PAD programs, but also may
include other programs, such as those associated with hospitals, where lay
responders are not a part of the response team.
Q: What are the essential parts of a PAD Program?
Each PAD program should include the following major elements:
 | Support of the Program by company leadership |
| On-going PAD Program Medical direction and oversight |
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training/refresher training and | |
| certification for designated personnel |
| Training/refresher training for designated personnel in the use of the AED | |
| and its accessories |
| Development of a written policy and procedure specific to each site |
| Continued review of the policy and procedure |
| Development of a Notification System to activate First Responders |
| Program integration with all parties involved, including employees, | |
| students, facility security and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems |
| Regular Maintenance Programs for hardware and support equipment in | |
| between and after each use |
| Development and utilization of a Quality Assurance Program and AED | |
| Data/Information Management Systems |
| Development of Measurable Performance Criteria, documentation criteria | |
| and periodic program review |
| Understanding the legal aspects and guidelines of AED use |
| Periodic review of new technologies |
Q: Are protocols or standard operating procedures necessary for a successful
A key element in assuring that your PAD program will be clearly understood and
will function well is the development of written protocols. These protocols
should be periodically reviewed and revised, when appropriate, by the Medical
Director.
Q: Does your company need a physician’s prescription to obtain an AED?
Yes. AEDs are prescription devices. In a PAD Program, plans and protocols
that are approved by a supervising physician are considered a prescription.
Once the physician has approved and signed off on AED selection and
placement, this becomes the authorizing prescription for procurement of the
device(s). The physician then needs to either write or approve the protocol
regarding the placement and use of the AED.
Recently, AEDs for home use have been developed which do not require a
prescription. However, Medical Direction is needed for use of this machine in
any other environment outside of the home.
Q: Does my company need an AED protocol?
Yes. The protocol for AED usage that is developed as part of a facility's PAD
Program is an integral part of the physician's prescription and serves as the
authorizing document for AED use. Essentially, the protocols that are signed
by the Medical Director set the medical standards and criteria for the operation
of the PAD Program and all of its components. Systems operated within the
boundaries and criteria of these signed protocols are considered to be under a
physician's supervision.
Q: Who provides medical oversight of PAD Programs?
AEDs are medical devices that are to be used under the advice and consent of a
physician. This oversight can be provided either by a facility's own medical
staff, contract physician or by the company-wide designated physician. It is
best to seek medical input from the very beginning of the design of your
program.
Q: Does a company’s PAD Program need to be reviewed by their legal
department?
Yes. Any PAD program should be reviewed by legal counsel to ensure that the
program is in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local rules and
regulations.
Q: Should Lay Responders/Rescuers (LRR) be trained?
A: Yes. A volunteer AED Response Team should be trained and designated as
the first responders to a cardiac emergency. The greater the number of well-
trained LRRs who are available, the more effective a PAD Program will be.
Overall effectiveness will be improved as the number of personnel who are fully
trained and willing to respond increases.
Q: Are AEDs safe to use on children?
An AED can be used on children. Most manufacturers come equipped with
pediatric capability i.e. special pads. The pediatric pads are to be used with
children under 80 pounds. The AED can also be used on children with adult
pads should the pediatric pads not be available.
Q: Where should AEDs be placed?
There is no set “formula” to determine the number and placement for AEDs.
However, there are several factors that should be considered: (1) an optimal
response time of three minutes or less and (2) assessing the level of risk in a
facility's environment.
Many elements help determine the placement of AEDs. The major elements are:
| An easily accessible position | |
| Unobstructed access to the AED. | |
| A secure location that prevents or minimizes the potential for tampering, | |
| theft, and/or misuse, and precludes access by unauthorized users while at the same time making it readily accessible for responders. |
| Please Email Us or call 1-888-344-AEDS (2337) |