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 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.

AEDs in the workplace; automated external defibrillators, sudden cardiac arrest, SCA, CPR Training, OSHA

Many organizations struggle with the thought of purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the workplace due to the fact that many organizations are unaware of what the AED’s purpose is and how it can save lives. Understanding the benefit of an AED in the workplace could save a life.

Is there a benefit of having AEDs in the work place?

The answer to this question is absolutely!

In our continuous effort to educate the public about the benefits of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), HeartSafe recently blogged about the American Heart Association’s three minute from “drop to shock” rule. This clearly illustrates the benefit of having AEDs in the work place for several reasons.

It is a common misconception that local EMS are able to respond to the scene of an accident immediately. It is important to realize that the national average response time for local EMS ranges anywhere from 6 to 12 minutes. Being aware of this information is key to survival. With every minute that passes, a victim in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) loses a 7%-10% chance of survival if not defibrillated. Unfortunately, a victim is facing only a 40% chance of survival if EMS arrives at the six-minute mark.

Envision a normal office setting and your colleague or business partner is sitting in a cubicle next to you and all of the sudden he starts having chest pains and loss of breath. He then falls out of his chair on to the floor unconscious. It appears he has had a heart attack which has lead to cardiac arrest. You immediately call 911 and the clock starts ticking. You quickly retrieve the AED onsite, begin CPR, then apply the pads of the AED on the chest and follow the guidance the AED verbally gives you to begin treatment. The device begins analyzation and tells you to push the shock button to deliver the first shock. Your colleague comes to and appears to wake up. You continue to care for him until EMS has arrived, but he is now conscious and can answer you when you speak to him. EMS finally arrives after 8 minutes and begins to care for him.

This example provides clarity on why having AED’s in the work place is a necessity! An article by the Department of Labor Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) states that in 1999 – 2000 815 out of 6339 fatalities (13%) in the work place were due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The conclusions of this article determined that “The earlier defibrillation is administered, the better chance at survival for the victim.” The proper placement and implementation of AEDs and CPR/AED Heartsaver training in the work environment helps “bridge” the gap between the time a victim has a cardiac event, to the time when EMS arrives on the scene to take over.

CLICK HERE to view the OSHA article.

Understanding what Sudden Cardiac Arrest is and accepting that it can affect anyone, at any age, at any given moment emphasizes the importance of AEDs in the work place. After all, the life you save may be great friend or colleague.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the benefits of AEDs in the work place. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

CPR & AED Awareness Week; AED, Automated External Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SCA, CPR, CPR Training

CPR & AED Awareness Week has been created by the American Heart Association to promote the importance of being trained in CPR and how automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can help to increase the survival rate from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

CPR & AED Awareness week is from June 1 through June 7, 2010. The goal of the American Heart Association (AHA) is to inform the public about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how CPR can help to save a life. Along with CPR, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are use to revive patients suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

HeartSafe America is an official AHA training site for CPR and AED training courses. HeartSafe America’s goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how CPR and AEDs can help to increase the survival rate.

Have you considered CPR Training? Interested in an AED for your organization?

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about CPR Training and how your organization can implement an AED Program.

Data Management Solutions; AED Tracking, AED Program, Automated External Defibrillator, SCA

Data Management Solution program is a simple way for any organization to keep their AED program on track. The AED Program Coordinator will be able to track each of the AEDs using our Data Management Solution program.

When implementing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program, performing monthly inspections, tracking replacement part expiration dates and monitoring CPR/AED training renewals can be time consuming and difficult to keep up with.

Therefore, in an effort to assist organizations in maintaining a successful and legally compliant AED Program, HeartSafe America has developed a proprietary web-based tracking program with the following features and functionality:

• Stores a master list of all AEDs, locations and contact personnel.
• Provides quick reference to AED serial numbers and all part numbers.
• Monthly inspection log which sends email reminders if inspection is not performed.
• Tracks replacement part expiration dates and sends email notifications.
• Designated section to document incidents and log event data.
• Tracks CPR/AED certified personnel and sends email renewal reminders.
• Numerous comprehensive reports to help AED Coordinator easily manage AED Program.
• Multiple security levels to limit user access based on AED Program responsibilities.

This software program is known as our “Data Management Solution (DMS)” and is currently being used by numerous Fortune 1000 companies.

Many organizations have similar questions as to why our Data Management Solution (DMS) program would be a good fit for their organization. At HeartSafe America, we want to ensure that every one our clients experiences the benefits of our DMS program. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our Data Management Solution program.

How will the data management solutions program be beneficial to my organization?

Our Data Management Solution (DMS) program allows an organization to manage their AED Program by organizing device information in a centralized web-based location for quick access. Having this information organized and readily available eliminates confusion, duplication and most importantly, keeps the AEDs “rescue ready”.

If my organization has AED in different locations, will my organization be able to track these AEDS?

Our DMS allows any organization to track an AED regardless of location. Once an AED is entered into the system, it is assigned to a specific location where the location can be viewed by the Site Coordinator and AED Program Coordinator regardless of geographic location.

Will the program notify my organization to perform the monthly inspections?

Monthly inspection reminders are sent out each month on the designated inspection date to the Site Coordinator or assigned inspector. If the inspection is not performed on the designated inspection date, the DMS will continue to email reminders until inspection is performed and entered into the system. These reminders should insure that your monthly inspections are being performed, keeping your organization legally compliant and your devices operational.

Will the DMS Program alert my organization when pads and batteries expire?

When your AED is entered into our DMS Program, the expiration dates for all replacement parts are documented. Then, at 90, 60 and 30 days prior to expiration, the DMS will automatically send an email reminder to Site Coordinator, Backup Site Coordinator and Program Coordinator alerting them to replace this part.

Can my organization track the personnel with CPR/AED training and when their renewals are due?

Our DMS allows your organization to input trained personnel along with their renewal date and certificate type. Then, at 60 and 30 days prior to the renewal, our DMS will automatically send an email reminder to the email address designated in this section.

If an emergency should happen and the AED is used, can my organization log the incident?

Our DMS has an incident log which can be utilized to track any instance when the AED is used. Whether the outcome is successful, unsuccessful or a non event, this information is an important historical reference to be utilized for comparison and training purposes.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out how our data management solutions program can be an asset to your organization’s AED program. Our goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can decrease the lives lost to SCA.

AED Liability, Automated External Defibrillator, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SCA, CPR, Good Samaritan

Liability. This is a “fear” that weighs heavily on everyone’s mind when considering purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for their organization. All 50 states have created “Good Samaritan” and AED Laws to protect responders, organizations, and the victim. Understanding these laws is key to implementing a successful AED Program.

Is there a liability factor owning an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

This question tends to be the number one factor in determining if a corporate, fitness, church or any other organization considers purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) for their facility.

There are several factors supporting why liability should no longer be the number one deterrent when considering implementing an AED program. With the passing of the CASA act (Cardiac Arrest Survival Act) of 2000, passed by Bill Clinton, immunity measures from liability for the entity and/or person utilizing an AED in good faith have been enacted on a federal level.

The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA)1 now requires the U.S. Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department to establish guidelines for placing AEDs in federal buildings. These guidelines must include the proper placement of the AEDs and the appropriate procedures are followed:

• Implement the appropriate training program of the AED device and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• Ensure the proper testing and ongoing maintenance of the AED
• Ensuring the proper licensed medical direction and oversight of the program
• Ensure that local EMS (Emergency Medical Services) have been notified of the devices and incidents and uses of the devices

When these guidelines were published, they lead to community based defibrillation programs leading to more unified state AED laws, regulations and training requirements, otherwise known as “Good Samaritan” laws.

Mr. Richard Lazar, a legal expert on emergency medical services topics and an advisor to the National Center for Early Defibrillation states: “The perceptions and fear of legal liability continue to serve as barriers to large-scale adoption of public access defibrillation (PAD) programs in out-of-hospital settings.”

With the help of the medical community’s experience of implementing multiple PAD programs across the US and the advancement in technology, AEDs have become more accessible and easier to purchase without the fear of liability. The trend and fear of not having an AED available at larger, more populated facilities, such as fitness facilities or sporting event venues, is starting to actually turn the other direction.

In the last several years, the liability factor for not having an AED has come up in multiple law suits across the country. Two of the most notable law suits happened in Florida on two separate occasions.

The first of which occurred at the Busch Gardens Theme Park when a 13 year old child died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The park did NOT have an AED on site and was sued by the family. The Jury awarded a judgment of $500,000.00 in damages to the victim’s family.

A second example of a liability issue for not having an AED on site came to light at the “Q Sports Club” fitness center, in Florida. In this particular case a 42 year old gentleman went into SCA and the facility did not have an AED on sight. They were not able to revive the gentleman and he ended up in a coma with no brain function. This case settled out of court for the sum of 2.25 million dollars.

Cases like these clearly illustrate the liability risks that impact businesses can be greatly reduced by implementing AED programs. Obtaining the proper medical direction, following Good Samaritan laws, and receiving the proper CPR/AED training from an experienced and accredited training center, are all major factors in implementing a successful and compliant program.

Contact HeartSafe America to find out more about implementing your AED program utilizing the direction of your state’s Good Samaritan Laws and the CASA act of 2000 guidelines. HeartSafe America offers AEDs from the top AED manufactures. 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 with the proper AED program and training.

1 Lazar R.A. Understanding legal issues: National Center for Early Defibrillation

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; CPR Training, CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AHA

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most basic forms of training an individual can receive to assist a victim during an emergency. Understanding how CPR can be effective during an emergency is important. Training in CPR can make a big difference in the survival rate of a victim.

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CPR.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is the process of using chest compressions along with breaths to restore a victim’s heartbeat and breathing.CPR is performed when a victim has stopped breathing and he or she has no pulse.CPR provides a continuous flow of oxygen and blood throughout the body.Our brains can only survive 5 minutes without oxygen without doing permanent damage.CPR can double the survival rate of a victim that has no pulse and has stopped breathing.

What are the current CPR guidelines?

Currently, the American Heart Association recommends that a responder use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation along with chest compressions to perform proper CPR.The AHA guidelines recommend two breaths to 30 chest compressions. Of course, the AHA guidelines are updated every 5 years to increase the rate of survival from using CPR.

If you are a responder and you are unable or unwilling to provide breaths to the victim, then the AHA recommends doing a chest compressions only method.The chest compressions only method still gives the victim a fighting chance at survival.

What is the purpose of CPR Training?

CPR is a simple procedure that can be performed by anyone, but with proper training the responder has a better chance of helping the victim to survive. Being prepared for any situation whether it is an emergency or non-emergency is important.

CPR Training is one of the most basic methods of rescue that any individual could be prepared for. Anyone can be a victim of drowning, sudden cardiac arrest, or other medical condition which can cause the heart to stop.With CPR Training, a responder will learn how to perform effective chest compressions to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and to give breaths that keep oxygen in the lungs.

Do you or your organization need CPR Training?

HeartSafe America offers a variety of life saving courses to equip individuals with the knowledge of how to aid a victim during an emergency.HeartSafe America offers the following life saving courses:

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider
• Heartsaver CPR Training & AED Use
• Heartsaver CPR Training with Infant
• Heartsaver CPR Training & AED Use with Infant
• Heartsaver First Aid Only
• Heartsaver First Aid & CPR Training
• Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid with Infant
• Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid without Infant
• Blood Borne Pathogens Training

HeartSafe America is an official American Heart Association Training Site that trains individuals as well as large organizations in life saving courses.

Contact HeartSafe America today to get more information about the life saving courses offered and to register yourself or your organization for the courses.