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ATASCADERO CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE
EMS Operations AED Training program
Issue Date:6-1-2011 Revision Date: 7-25-2011
1.0 PURPOSE
This policy is intended to provide procedures and training guidelines for all Fire Department
Personnel that operate AED’s in the field.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED): a device that can be used by any 1st Responder to
deliver a shock. It uses a patented Shock Advisory System. This software algorithm analyzes
the patient’s electrocardiographic (EKG) rhythm and indicates whether or not it detects a
shock able rhythm. The AED requires operator interaction in order to defibrillate the
patient.
2.0 AUTHORITY
A) California Safety and Health Code, Division 2.
B) California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 1.5
C) San Luis Obispo County LEMSA Policy 111
D) American Heart Association Standards
3.0 Definitions
1. AED shall refer to the automatic external defibrillator capable of cardiac rhythm
analysis, which will charge and deliver a shock after electronically detecting and
assessing ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia when applied to
an unconscious patient with absent respirations and no signs of circulation. The
automatic defibrillator requires user interaction in order to deliver a shock.
2. An authorized individual refers to an individual, who has successfully completed
a defibrillator-training program, has successfully passed the appropriate
competency-based written and skills examinations, and maintains competency by
participating in periodic reviews. The authorized individuals shall also adhere to
policies and procedures in this manual.
3. Public Safety Provider means any EMS Agency who uses an AED for medical
emergencies involving an unconscious person who has no signs of circulation.
4.0 Policy
The use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) will be in compliance with the
responsibilities and procedures outlined in this policy and consistent with appropriate
regulations and American Red Cross and/or American Heart Association guidelines.
Shortening the time to defibrillation improves rates of survival from sudden cardiac
arrest. AEDs are placed in reach of first responders on assigned apparatus throughout the
department. Any Authorized Fire personnel that is expected to provide emergency care will
be trained in CPR and AED.
5.0 Program Coordinator
At all times, while these policies and procedures are in effect, the department will maintain a
program coordinator. This person is responsible for the overall coordination,
implementation, and continued operation of the program.
1. The program coordinator or alternate contact will be available in person or by phone
within a reasonable amount of time to answer any questions or concerns of the
authorized individuals.
2. The program coordinator or designee shall ensure that all issues related to training,
such as scheduling of basic and periodic reviews, maintenance of training standards
and authorized individual status, and record keeping is managed on a continuing
basis.
3. The program coordinator or designee will assure that all equipment stock levels are
maintained and/or ordered and readiness checks and record maintenance are
completed.
4. The program coordinator or designee shall notify the local EMS agency of the
existence, location and type of AED.
6.0 Equipment Requirement
The type and number of AEDs and related equipment will be maintained at location as
outlined below. The program coordinator or designee will assure replacements are ordered
as soon as possible. Equipment is located as shown.
The following stock levels and expiration dates will be checked every month and maintained
as follows:
Item Description Quantity
Zoll/AED plus 4
Batteries 12
EKG Pads (adult & pedi) 12
Cardiac Science/AED 6
Batteries 6
EKG Pads (adult & pedi) 12
Readiness will be checked monthly and after every use, according to the manufacturer’s
recommended guidelines. Records will be maintained using Appendix D.
7.0 Training Requirements
The course shall consist of not less than four hours and will comply with the American Heart
Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) standards. The required hours for an AED
training program can be reduced by no more than two hours for students who can show
they have been certified in a basic CPR course in the past year and demonstrate that they are
proficient in the current techniques of CPR.
1. The full four-hour course will include the following topics and skills:
a. Basic CPR skills
b. Proper use, maintenance, and periodic inspection of an AED
c. The importance of CPR, defibrillation, advanced life support, adequate airway
care, and internal emergency response system
d. How to recognize the warning signs of heart attack and stroke
d. Overview of San Luis Obispo County protocols.
e. Information relating to defibrillator safety precautions to enable personnel to
administer shocks without jeopardizing the safety of the patient or the
authorized individual or other nearby persons to include, but not limited to:
1) Age and weight restrictions for the use of the AED
2) Presence of water of liquid on or around the victim
3) Presence of transdermal medications, implanted pacemakers or
automatic implanted cardioverter-defirbrillators
f. Recognition that an electrical shock has been delivered to the patient and that
the debrillator is no longer charged.
g. Rapid, accurate assessment of the patient’s post-shock status to determine if
further activation of the AED is necessary
2. All successful participants will receive a CPR/AED course completion card.
3. Basic and review sessions will be conducted according to the following schedule:
a) CPR/AED renewal will be conducted at least once a year
b) Periodic reviews will be at the discretion of the program coordinator and may
schedule reviews more often if necessary.
8.0 Quality Assurance
After AED use, the following quality assurance procedures will be utilized:
1. The program coordinator or designee shall be notified within 24 hours. Quality
assurance shall be maintained by way of retrospective evaluation of the medical care
rendered by the authorized individuals on scene and during transfer of the patient to
the appropriate transporting agency personnel.
2. In addition to information obtained from the AED, documentation of the incident
shall be completed as follows:
a. Documentation shall be initiated whether or not defibrillatory shocks are
delivered.
b. The following information shall be provided if known: (AED Post Incident
Report, Addendum D)
1) Date
2) Event location
3) Incident run number
4) Agencies involved
5) Responding Units
6) Person’s sex/age
7) Estimated time elapsed from person’s collapse until initiation of CPR,
if witnessed or heard
8) Total minutes of CPR prior to application of defibrillation
9) Person’s response to treatment rendered, i.e., regained pulse and
breathing
10) Name of authorized individual completing the report
3. The program coordinator, and/or designee will review the AED record of the event
and the AED Post Incident Report and interview the authorized individuals involved
in the emergency to ensure that:
a. The authorized individuals quickly and effectively set up the necessary
equipment
b. When indicated, the initial defibrillatory shock(s) was delivered within an
appropriate amount of time given the particular circumstances.
c. Adequate basic life support measures were maintained
d. Following each shock as appropriate, the person was assessed accurately and
treated appropriately.
e. The defibrillator was activated safely and correctly.
f. A copy of the post incident report ( addendum D) and patient care report shall
be sent to the EMSA within 15 days of the incident.
g. Annual AED program Update and Data (addendum E & F) report will be sent
to the EMSA.
h. A copy of the AED Post Incident Report (addendum D) is to be sent to the San
Luis Obispo County EMS Agency at 2156 Sierra Way San Luis Obispo, CA
93401
Approved by:
Kurt W. Stone
Fire Chief