GETTING STARTED

Design of your Public Access Defibrillation Program should be done methodically taking into consideration the following steps:

1. Medical Oversight:
   The Medical Oversight physician supplies the AED prescription, assures the program is medically sound, and provides minimum program requirements aimed at ensuring a quality PAD program is implemented. Medical oversight can usually be obtained from an AED vendor if a physician is not readily available to the purchaser.
    

2. User Identification and Training:
   It is important that appropriate users are identified and trained in CPR and AED use.
   Get Training...
    

3. Device Selection and Maintenance: 
   Have a committee look at several different models. All AED manufacturers should have FDA approved devices and be able to provide maintenance plans.
   AED Vendors...
    

4. Placement Selection:
   AEDs should be placed in locations within the facility that can be reached quickly and easily. Remember, efforts must be made to reduce the risk of tampering.  Locating the AED close to faculty and having wall mounted cabinets with door alarms are examples of how to reduce tampering.  AED vendors can offer further solutions.
    

5. Register Each AED:
   Provide the Arlington Fire Department with AED and PAD Program contact information. Registration is free and is required yearly so that all AEDs can be maintained properly in the City’s dispatch computer system. This is a state law.
   City AED Registration...
    

6. Consider Insurance Options:
   Liability risk can be further minimized through the purchase of insurance. Private insurance companies and most AED manufacturers offer indemnification plans that assist AED purchasers with liability claims.

Important Information - Please Read:

• The State of Texas has recognized the need to provide protective legislation to those who purchase AEDs. Legislation exists that can protect the “Good Samaritan” for providing emergency care. This includes the usage of an AED. Unless the procedures performed during emergency care were proven to be negligent, then no liability for civil damages can be granted.  Chapter 74 - Civil Practice & Remedies Code - Medical Liability
   

• Chapter 779 of the Health and Safety Code outlines the specific areas in an AED program that must be maintained. If these areas are followed as described in the Code, then no liability for civil damages can be granted. To incur liability, one must show failure to comply with the stated requirements.  Chapter 779 - Health & Safety Code - Automated External Defibrillators

AED Program Implementation Resources from the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is dedicated to helping businesses and other facilities establish AED programs to increase survival rates for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Each year sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of more than 250,000 Americans before they reach a hospital.  Today the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest is less than 5 percent.

The following information briefly summarizes the importance of AEDs and training in saving lives, as well as an overview of the steps necessary to implement an AED program.  American Heart Association staff are available to help throughout the decision-making process and to help develop training solutions for meeting specific needs. For more information, please call 1-877-AHA-4-CPR (1-877-242-4277).

AED Implementation Guide (pdf)	Working Against Time (pdf)

[ back ]