AED Program Decision Makers; Purchasing AED, Automated External Defibrillator, AED Program

Implementing an AED Program may seem like a challenging task, but it definitely doesn't have to be. With the 7 step guide process of implementing an AED Program, any organization can successfully complete this task. The second step in this process is to gain decision maker's support.

When implementing an AED Program, gaining decision maker support is essential because without it, your program will go nowhere!

Therefore, before attempting to get Senior Management’s buy-in, you must do your homework and answer the questions that they will inevitably ask:

• What are the liability implications with an AED program?
• What is the upfront cost and long term cost of ownership of this program?
• What kind of ongoing training, maintenance and man power is involved with this type of program?

If you are able to provide clear answers supported by facts, gaining support for your AED Program will be easy. In an attempt to help you prepare, we have offered some resources below:

First, to address the liability concern for management you will need to educate them on the facts. This can be accomplished by researching OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) and their recommendations on their website. The OSHA website where you can find five supporting articles of information and recommendations on AED programs: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/aed/index.html - These five supporting articles will allow you to pull specific data and statics on how an AED program, with the proper CPR/AED training can save lives.

These articles and the information they cover are below:

1. Automated External Defibrillators Can Save Lives During Cardiac Emergencies [1 MB PDF*, 2 pages]. OSHA Publication 3174, (2001). Stresses the need for AEDs in the workplace to save lives. States that AEDs are effective, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive.
2. Saving Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims in the Workplace: Automated External Defibrillators. OSHA Publication 3185-09N, (2003). Also available as a 376 KB PDF, 4 pages. Provides information on the importance of readily-available AEDs, and encourages the installation of the devices in workplaces. Also includes a list of resources for more detailed guidance on the use of AEDs as well as how to obtain qualified training.
3. Cardiac Arrest and Automated External Defibrillators. OSHA Technical Information Bulletin (TIB), (2001, December 17). Also available as an 18 KB PDF, 4 pages. Provides an information resource to aid in decision-making about these devices at individual worksites. Informs employers about the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), a life-saving technology, in the treatment of cardiac arrest at work.
4. Automated External Defibrillation in the Occupational Setting. American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), (2006, May). Provides position statement of ACOEM urging placement of AEDs in selected workplaces, and guidelines for employer programs.
5. Saving a Life is As Easy as A-E-D. American Red Cross. Includes information on how AEDs work, training programs, and establishing an AED program at your facility.

All of these articles are great to help you illustrate how deploying an AED Program can potentially save a colleague’s life.

One final resource that may be of assistance in gaining the support and funds needed to implement an AED program is the “National Center for Early Defibrillation” - http://www.early-defib.org/ - Early defibrillation can increase the survival rate from less than 5% without and AED, up to 60% with an AED on site. Statistical data like this illustrates the enormous benefit of having an AED program.

The final component necessary to gain the support of Senior Management is finding a reputable company willing to offer your organization the proper AED equipment, training and maintenance at a reasonable cost. At HeartSafe America, Inc., we do just this. With access to 6 AED Manufacturers, a National Training Network and propriety Data Management Program,

HeartSafe America has successfully helped numerous Fortune 500 and Government Agencies gain top level support by offering a turn-key AED Solution at a very aggressive price point.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about implementing an AED Program for your organization. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.