AED Medical OverSight; AED Program, Medical Authorization for AED, Automated External Defibrillator; Medical Prescription, Medical Oversight

Implementing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program may seem like a challenging task, but it definitely doesn't have to be. With our 7 step guide to implementing an AED Program, any organization can successfully complete this task. Today, we will take a look at the fourth step in this process, “Obtain Medical Oversight”.

In today’s technologically advanced world, there are numerous items which we purchase with little or no knowledge of how to operate. So, in order to effectively utilize and/or navigate our new gadget, we must invest in a technical support plan.

Therefore, since most AED Program Coordinators do not have an extensive knowledge of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) or deploying an AED Program, having a technical support plan is a necessity. In our Industry, this technical support plan is referred to as “Medical Oversight”. Medical Oversight can either be obtained through a local Physician or a National Company who specializes in providing Medical Direction. In either case, your chosen Medical Director should provide the following:

• Signed Medical Prescription (FDA Requirement to purchase an AED)
• Site Analysis and AED Placement Recommendation
• Assistance with EMS Registration
• Review of Policy & Procedure Manual
• Review of Training Program
• Post Event Review & Feedback

Furthermore, your Medical Director should also be a sounding board and a mentor to the Program Coordinator.

HOW SHOULD YOU OBTAIN MEDICAL OVERSIGHT?

First and foremost, if you can find a local physician who has AED Program knowledge, this is your best option as you will have the ability to interface with him/her in person. Furthermore, a local Physician will have a tie to the community and a vested interest in the success of the program.

If you are unable to find a local Physician, contracting with a National Medical Oversight Company is the next best thing. Since their primary business is providing Medical Oversight, their physicians and support staff will have the latest information on laws, regulations and trends in the AED industry.

DO LAWS REQUIRE MEDICAL OVERSIGHT?

At the Federal Level, currently, there are no laws requiring Medical Oversight. However, there are certain states that do require it. To find out more about your state’s requirement, contact your local state legislature to obtain details about the requirements in regards to medical oversight.

WHAT IF I OPT NOT TO OBTAIN MEDICAL OVERSIGHT?

If your State does not require Medical Oversight, you are still obligated by the Food & Drug Administration’s Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Section 801.109 to provide a signed medical authorization. A medical authorization is a physician prescription authorizing you to purchase an AED. If you do not have a physician to provide this form, there are numerous National Medical Direction Companies who can produce on your behalf. As you know, there is always an exception to every rule. In 2005, Philips Medical received clearance from the FDA to sell the Philips Onsite over the counter without a medical authorization. Currently, this is the AED on the market which can be obtained without a medical authorization.

ARE THERE LIABILITY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH NOT HAVING MEDICAL OVERSIGHT?

Federal & State Good Samaritan Laws protect individuals and organizations from liability if they do the following:

1. Notify local emergency response personnel or other appropriate entities of the most recent placement of the device within a reasonable period of time after the device was placed.
2. Properly maintain & test the device according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Provide appropriate training to any employee who may be reasonably expected to use device.

As you can see, Good Samaritan Laws do not mention Medical Oversight as a requirement. However, having Medical Oversight will help to insure that the Good Samaritan Laws are accomplished!

Having deployed over 2000 AED Programs across the US, we have found that our most success programs have Medical Oversight. Why have they been more successful than those who have not? The answer is simple…knowledge is power and those who have employed Medical Directors have empowered themselves with the technical knowledge to be successful.

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

AED State Laws & Regulations; Automated External Defbrillator, CASA Act, AED Laws, AED Program

Implementing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program may seem like a challenging task, but it definitely doesn't have to be. With our 7 step guide to implementing an AED Program, any organization can successfully complete this task. Today, we will take a look at the third step in this process, “Review State & Federal Laws”.

To have a successful AED Program, it is important for your organization, as well as your AED Program Coordinator, to understand the federal and state laws associated with owning an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

In 2000, the Federal Government passed the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA) in an effort to bring awareness to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and improve the SCA survival rate of 5%. This Act required all federal buildings to install AEDs and extended Good Samaritan protection to anyone who renders aid (in good faith) to a victim during an emergency.

Click here to view more about the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA) of 2000.

Each state has its own law(s) that protect organizations who own AEDs. These laws typically mirror the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2000 by extending liability protection to Good Samaritans.

Click here to view the AED laws for each state.
Click here to view the Good Samaritan laws for each state.

Furthermore, with an increase in SCA awareness and numerous studies validating public access defibrillation, many states have instituted laws requiring certain organizations/facilities to place AEDs on site. Lawmakers believe that Fitness Clubs, Athletic Complexes, Schools and Dental Offices are the most likely places for SCA to occur. Therefore, equipping these facilities has been made a top priority.

Click here to view AED requirements for your state.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the AED laws and how it can affect your organization. Heart Safe America’s goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

AED Replacement Accessories; Expiring AED Parts, Automated External Defibrillator, Good Samaritan

All Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have pads and batteries with expiration dates and must be replaced according to the expiration date.

Once an organization or company has equipped themselves with an automated external defibrillator (AED), it is imperative that inspections are performed on a monthly basis. Not only are monthly inspections a prerequisite for the Good Samaritan law, but it also reminds the organization when the pads and batteries expire.

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding replacement parts.

Why do my AED electrode pads expire?

• AED electrode pads are comprised of an adhesive gel and tin. Once they exceed their expiration date, they may not be able to function properly or will lose their ability to “stick” to a victim. Manufacturers cannot guarantee that the pads will function past their expiration date. Just like a band aid, AED electrode pads tend to dry out faster once exposed to air.

When do my pads expire?

• AED pads expire typically every two years. Manufacturers such as HeartSine and Zoll use a different formula which allows the pads to last longer than two years.

How often will I have to replace my batteries?

• Like the electrode pads, each manufacturer has a different expiration date. Battery expiration dates or shelf life can vary anywhere from 2 years to 7 years. The battery shelf life is not a set date and varies manufacturer to manufacturer. The shelf life date can usually be found on the battery.

Does my AED battery have an expiration date listed on it?

• Yes. Most batteries have an expiration date with the exception of Cardiac Science. Cardiac Science lists when the battery was manufactured versus the battery shelf life.

Should I purchase an extra set of pads or battery?

• This is not a legal statue or precedent that requires a spare pad be available. However, it is always a good idea to have an extra battery or set of pads, just in case the primary is not functionality proper. Most manufacturers will include a spare set of pads in their initial AED Ship Set.

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

HeartSafe America; AED Program, AED Implementation, Automated External Defibrillator, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SCA, AED Laws, CPR Training

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program is key to reducing the number of deaths that occur from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Our 7 step process based on the American Heart Association’s recommendations will assist any organization in implementing an AED program.

As a result of the American Heart Association, state legislation and notable deaths such as Tim Russert (Moderator of NBC’s “Meet The Press”), Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) awareness is at an all-time high. Therefore, many churches, schools, and corporations are proactively protecting their members from this deadly disease with Automated External Defibrillators (AED). While buying an AED does not guarantee every victim will be saved, it will substantially increase survival rates from 5% to 65-75%. However, in order to achieve maximum results, a comprehensive program must be implemented. Below is a list of steps to do so:

1. Select a Program Coordinator:
   Accountability is the key to any project. Therefore, a single individual must be selected to implement the program and maintain it after initial deployment is completed.
2. Get Decision Makers Support:
   In any organization, it all starts at the top. Therefore, in order for the program to gain notoriety and thrive financially, support from executive leadership is needed. Since most Decision Makers are subjected to large amounts of stress and long hours, SCA should be a concern for them and gaining support should be easy once the facts are presented.
3. Review State & Federal Laws:
   Laws exist to protect people. Therefore, to implement an effective program, the Coordinator must familiarize himself or herself with the Laws that have been put in place to protect those who purchase AEDs and use them.
4. Obtain Medical Oversight:
   As lay people, we may not understand the full scope of implementing an AED Program. Therefore, employing a Medical Professional to oversee program development, deployment and maintenance will have a profound impact on its success. Think of it as a “Technical Support Plan” for your computer. **In some states, Medical Direction and Oversight is a requirement**
5. AED Selection:
   When selecting an AED, research and compare the features of different devices to find the one that best fits your organizational needs. If possible, work with a multi-line AED Distributor who can help you understand the key differences between the devices and consult on the selection.
6. AED Placement:
   If I had to rank the importance of each step, AED Placement would be at the very top. Since AED and AED Cabinets are not the most attractive pieces of décor, many organizations try to hide them or unknowingly place them in inappropriate spots. However, in order to achieve the American Heart Association’s goal of three minutes from drop to “shock”, AEDs must be placed in high traffic, centrally located areas near other emergency medical equipment. In following this recommendation, the device will be very visible and easily accessible if a Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs.
7. Training:
   All AEDs on the market today have clear prompts, which guide the responder through the save. However, as the old saying goes: “practice makes perfect”. Therefore, it is highly recommend that your entire organization attend a CPR/AED training course administered by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross or equivalent training organization. If training everyone is cost prohibitive, select an appropriate number of individuals to be designated as an Emergency Response Team and have them trained.

Once these steps have been completed, the real work begins. During the initial deployment, enthusiasm and interest will be extremely high. However, after training is completed and the AEDs are placed in their cabinets, most will forget that they exist. Therefore, the Program Coordinator will be responsible for keeping the program compliant and visible. Below is a list of ongoing AED Program responsibilities:

• Monthly Inspections: Every month, the AED(s) must be inspected to ensure functionality. This inspection consists of checking the status indicator and the pad expiration dates (Adult & Pediatric). If the status indicator is “flashing” and the pads are within the expiration, the device is “Rescue Ready”.
• CPR/AED Training: Depending on the training curriculum which your organization has chosen, training renewals will occur every year or every other year. Therefore, the Program Coordinator must track the renewals and schedule re-certifications.
• Ongoing Awareness: As new members join the organization and old members forget, periodic AED reminders should be published. These reminders should include AED location, list of trained responders and protocol for responding.

Deciding to purchase an AED is a great decision and an excellent benefit for your members and/or employees but this decision cannot be validated without proper deployment. Therefore, it is essential that you follow these steps to ensure that if the time arises, your AED Program is prepared to save a life!

Contact HeartSafe America to find out more about implementing your AED program for your organization. HeartSafe America offers six of the top AED manufacturers. Our goal is to help educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can help decrease the number of deaths from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

HeartSafe America; Maryland House Bill 293; AED, AEDs

The State of Maryland has introduced House Bill 293 which required a physical therapy office to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site and to have a staff member trained in CPR and how to use the AED.

On January 27, 2010, the State of Maryland introduced House Bill 293. House Bill 293 will require Physical Therapy Office to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. The House Bill 293 does not apply to any licensed physical therapist who works in a setting outside of the physical therapy office or hospital or related institutions stated in Article 19-301 of the Health – GeneralHouse Bill 293 prohibits any licensed physical therapist from performing physical therapy unless there is an automated external defibrillator present and there is a staff member present that has received certification in CPR and the use of the AED.

House Bill 293 will go into effect on October 1, 2010.

CLICK HERE for more details about House Bill 293.

HeartSafe America; Revised State of Oregon Senate Bill 556; Senate Bill 1006; AED, AEDs

The State of Oregon is requiring certain organizations to have an automated external defibrillator on site. Senate Bill 556 went into affect on January 1, 2010. Senate Bill 1006 was released in February 2010 with revisions to Senate Bill 556.

On January 1, 2010, the State of Oregon’s Senate Bill 556 will take effect. The State of Oregon created Senate Bill 556 to ensure the safety of anyone that suffers from sudden cardiac arrest at a place of business by requiring organizations to obtain an automated external defibrillator (AED).

During February 2010, the State of Oregon has released a revision of Senate Bill 556. The State of Oregon’s Senate Bill 1006 has specified in detail which organizations are required to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. The revisions require organizations that a single building, with 50,000 square feet with indoor floor space, where business activities are conducted and has at least 50 or more persons in the building a day to have an AED.

Senate Bill 1006 now includes “health clubs” as a required organization that will need to have an AED if that organization falls under the guidelines of the bill. A health club is described as any organization where exercise or athletic activities take place and the patrons participate by paying a fee.

The only organizations that are excluded from Senate Bill 1006 are facilities associated with the education service district, public charter school, or school district.

To view more details about Senate Bill 1006, please CLICK HERE.

HeartSafe America; State of Oregon Senate Bill 556; AED, AEDs

The State of Oregon has instituted a new AED law that requires certain organizations to obtain an AED for their locations. This new AED law goes into effect on January 1, 2010.

On January 1, 2010, the State of Oregon’s Senate Bill 556 will take effect. The State of Oregon created Senate Bill 556 to ensure the safety of anyone that suffers from sudden cardiac arrest at a place of business by requiring organizations to obtain an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The organizations that are required to purchase an AED are organizations that have a public access building of 50,000 square feet or more and that have 25 or more people in the building at one time. The only organizations that are excluded from this new law are schools and churches.

To view the details about the State of Oregon’s Senate Bill 556, please CLICK HERE.

Of course, it is recommended that an organization should evaluate their building to determine if they need more than one AED. The reason for the evaluation is due to “drop and shock” rule. The “drop and shock” rule states that it should take no more than 2-3 minutes for a responder to retrieve the AED, drop the AED, and shock the victim. This rule gives the victim the largest possibility of surviving sudden cardiac arrest.

HeartSafe America, Inc. would like to assist the organizations in the State of Oregon that are required to obtain an AED. HeartSafe America offers six of the top AED manufactures. HeartSafe America works with each organization on a one on one basis to determine the proper amount of AEDs necessary to stay within the 2-3 minute “drop and shock” rule.

Contact HeartSafe America or shop our online store today to find out how you can make your organization “heart safe”.