| What's
public access to defibrillation? |
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Public access to defibrillation
(PAD) means making AEDs available in public and/or private places
where large numbers of people gather or people who are at high risk
for heart attacks live.
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| What's
the AHA position on placement of AEDs? |
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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 a community, the AHA strongly encourages that
they be part of a defibrillation program in which
- Persons or entities that acquire an AED notify the local EMS
office.
- A licensed physician or medical authority provides medical
oversight to ensure quality control.
- Persons responsible for using the AED are trained in CPR and how
to use an AED.
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| Why is
notifying the local EMS office important? |
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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 911 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.
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| Why
should a licensed physician or medical authority be involved with
purchasers of AEDs? |
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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.
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| Why
should people who are responsible for operating an AED receive CPR
training? |
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Early CPR is an integral part
of providing lifesaving aid to people suffering sudden cardiac arrest.
The ventilation and compression skills learned in a CPR class help to
circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain. After delivering a series of
three electric shocks, the typical AED will prompt the operator to
continue CPR while the device continues to analyze the patient.
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| If
AEDs are so easy to use, why do people need formal training in how to
use them? |
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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.
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| Can
anyone buy an AED? |
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AEDs are manufactured and sold
under guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Current
FDA rules require someone who purchases an AED to present a
physician's prescription for the device.
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| My
health club has identified a member physician willing to purchase an
AED for the club. What's the first step in the process? |
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Your local EMS system can help
you find out about local and state protocols and requirements for AED
training and use.
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| The
police are the first responders in my community. Officials are
reluctant to have them carry and use AEDs for fear of potential
litigation. What legislation is currently in effect to protect first
responders who use an AED? |
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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.
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| How
much does an AED cost? |
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The price of an AED varies by
make and model. Most AEDs cost around $3000.
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| What
steps should an organization take to buy an AED for its premises? |
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Any person or entity wanting to buy an AED must first get a
prescription from a physician. The AED should be placed in use within
a defibrillation program that includes these elements:
- Training of all users in CPR and operation of an AED (AHA
Heartsaver AED Course).
- Physician oversight to ensure appropriate maintenance and use of
the AED.
- Notification of local EMS of type and location of AED.
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| Which
AED model does the AHA recommend? |
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The AHA does not recommend a
specific device. All AED models have similar features, but the slight
differences 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.
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