How to Establish and Execute a Public Access Defibrillator Program

Creating and implementing a public access defibrillator program is an essential step in promoting community health and safety to potentially save lives when an emergency arises. Having easily accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces increases the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to establish and execute a successful public access defibrillator program.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Importance of Public Access Defibrillator Programs 
• Assessing Community Needs and Planning 
• Selecting and Placing Automated External Defibrillators 
• Training and Education 
• Maintenance and Program Stability 
• Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement 

Understanding the Importance of Public Access Defibrillator Programs

Public access defibrillator programs play a vital role in improving cardiac arrest survival rates as timely defibrillation is vital for a successful resuscitation. 

According to a study published by the American Heart Association, early defibrillation within the first 3-5 minutes after a victim collapses can result in a survival rate as high as 49-75%. However, for every minute that defibrillation is delayed, survival rates decrease by 7-10%. These statistics highlight the critical role public access defibrillators play in bridging the time gap between cardiac arrest onset and emergency medical services (EMS) arrival. By recognizing the significance of early defibrillation and understanding the importance of having an AED in public locations, we can appreciate why establishing these programs is crucial.

Assessing Community Needs and Planning

Before launching a public access defibrillator program, it is crucial to assess your community’s needs and plan accordingly. Conducting a community needs assessment can help identify areas with a high incidence of SCA, high-traffic public spaces, and locations with limited access to emergency medical services.

Whether you are a local school system, a large office building, or a new organization in town, incorporating community stakeholders such as local EMS, hospitals, and community leaders in your planning meetings can provide critical insights and support for program success.

In 2009, the federal government issued guidelines for public access defibrillation programs in federal facilities. These guidelines emphasize the importance of involving such stakeholders in the planning and implementation. These guidelines also recommend establishing clear program objectives, selecting AEDs that meet regulatory standards, providing training and education, and maintaining AEDs and program sustainability.

By involving key individuals and organizations, you can lay a solid foundation for program success.

Selecting and Placing Automated External Defibrillators

Choosing the right AEDs and strategically placing them is essential for an effective program. It’s important to look at many different factors when considering which AED model would be the best fit for your industry such as the weight, dimensions, and ingress protection (IP) of the device, semi or fully-automatic abilities, bilingual options, and much more. Read our AED Buyer’s Guide to learn more information on which AED and AED accessories would best fit your industry.

When determining the optimal placement for your AED, consider asking the following questions:

1. Is the location of the AED easily accessible?
2. Is the AED positioned in a high-traffic area such as the lobby, main hallway, or main conference room?
3. Is the AED clearly visible to everyone through wall signage or window decals?
4. Are there any obstacles impeding access to the AED?
5. Is the AED installed in a cabinet to keep it from damage or harm?
6. Does the cabinet have an alarm that will sound to notify the AED is being accessed?

The best way to help ensure that an AED can be promptly located and brought to an emergency is through proper installation. Placing wall signs and having your AED in a wall cabinet is only half the battle. Develop an Emergency Response Plan that enables teachers, students, and staff members to participate in a trial walk-through of the expected course of action during emergencies. This will instill the necessary confidence in everyone for handling real emergencies.

Training and Education

An integral aspect of any public access defibrillator program is training individuals on proper AED usage and basic life support techniques. Proper training can help employees learn how to respond during a medical emergency adults as well as children and infants. Training staff in courses such as Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED/First Aid, Adult CPR/AED/First Aid, or even BLS Healthcare Provider is critical for the success of an AED program.

Conducting regular refresher training sessions year after year can help ensure staff is up-to-date with their knowledge and skills. Being able to recognize signs of SCA, act quickly using CPR techniques and an AED, and call for help in case of an emergency are all key components that training and education can give to employees to help enhance your AED program’s overall impact. 

Maintenance and Program Sustainability

Maintaining AEDs and ensuring program sustainability is critical to help ensure your AED is in good working condition and can be relied upon to deliver life-saving shocks when necessary. Many individuals and companies underestimate the amount of work that goes into maintaining these life-saving devices.

The following basic AED Maintenance Checklist can be used to help ensure your AED is functioning correctly and is ready to use when needed.

• Check the battery status indicator and ensure it is charged and not expired
• Inspect electrode pads for expiration and damage
• Verify connectors are undamaged and free from debris
• Confirm the correct installation of pads and connectors
• Ensure the AED is undamaged and free from wear
• Check for software and firmware updates and install if necessary
• Conduct visual inspection for cleanliness and debris
• Verify visible, accessible, and clear location and signage
• Ensure the AED’s training materials and accessories are current, available, and easy to access 

Regular maintenance and following the manufacturer’s guidelines are recommended for optimal AED condition and performance during emergencies. If you are a company with multiple AEDs and locations or are just overwhelmed with maintenance tasks, investing in an AED Management Program can help you avoid potential liabilities and help ensure your AEDs always have their boxes checked and marked.

Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

To ensure ongoing effectiveness, it is crucial to evaluate the program’s performance and make necessary improvements.

To measure the success of the program, try asking your team the following questions:

• Was the rescuer able to identify SCA signs?
• Did emergency medical services get called right away?
• Was the AED able to be accessed and on-site of the victim within 3-4 minutes?
• What was the outcome of the rescue process?

Answers to these questions can help you identify where improvements are needed to create a more effective AED program for the future. By continually assessing and adapting your program, you can maximize its impact to help save more lives.

Contact our team using the Contact Us Form to get your Public Access Defibrillator Program started today.