AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED)

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition where the heart’s main pumping chambers quiver erratically causing a loss of oxygenated blood flow to the body’s brain and vital organs. The Automated external defibrillator (AED) is designed to stop this life-threatening arrhythmia, which then allows the heart’s own natural pacemaker to restore a normal rhythm and rate. If the AED detects ventricular fibrillation (V-fib), the unit will announce “shock advised” with a flashing shock button. Continue to follow the AED’s audible and visual guidance. Prompt return of blood circulation is paramount to the survival and recovery of SCA victims.

Manager:   
Student health services is responsible for implementation and management of Sul Ross State University’s AED program. The university’s contract physician oversees medical device prescription, program effectiveness, and downloaded post event data from AED.  

Health services’ coordinator will:
• Be the point-of-contact for all campus AEDs
• Develop and revise as necessary the university’s AED policy
• Provide or collaborate with other American Red Cross authorized instructors to give AED training to university emergency responders
• Perform scheduled and post-event maintenance for campus AEDs
• Check visual readiness status of campus AEDs monthly
• Delegate weekly status checks to departments with campus AEDs
• Notify UDPS and local EMT personnel of changes in the location and availability of campus AEDs
• Notify university’s contract physician of AED emergency response and post event review 

Defibrillator Locations:
AEDs are located within departments and facilities where SCA risk is considered the greatest. The unit's normal operating temperature range is 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Cabinet-housed AEDs must be publicly accessible to ensure the victim’s best chance of survival, which decreases about 10% for every minute without defibrillation. Wall mounted cabinets will have a breakable pull-tight seal and posted user notice. Pull-tight seals are replaced with scheduled or post event maintenance. The AED’s monthly checklist is located in UC-211G.

Contact student health services immediately at (432) 837-8102 if cabinet’s pull-tight seal is missing or broken, AED status indicator does not flash green every 5 to 10 seconds, indicator flashes red, or you hear beeping. Refer to AED’s user manual for troubleshooting if audible warning message occurs when turned on.

Employee and volunteer responders:
The extent to which an employee or volunteer responds shall be according to their training, experience, and comfort level with an SCA event. Texas’ Good Samaritan law protects emergency rescuers from liability unless their actions are “… willfully or wantonly negligent”. The university is not responsible for the acts of employee or volunteer responders. 

Post event AED maintenance:
Student health services will ensure that AEDs and accessories are decontaminated and wiped clean. Only use a soft cloth with soapy water or isopropyl alcohol (70% solution).

NEVER immerse any part of the AEDs in water or other fluids.

DO NOT use abrasive materials, cleaners or solvents.    

Following the emergency use of an AED, the battery and electrode pad cartridge (Pad-Pak) must be replaced with a new Pad-Pak. Gray color Pad-Pak is for adult, and pink color Pad-Pak for pediatric. Return used Pad-Pak to Student health services for proper disposal. Bring to Morgan university center, room 211G, or call (432) 837-8102.  

References:
User manual for HeartSine samariatn pad, copyright 2017, HeartSine technologies LLC.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 74.151
SRSU AED Policy, 2006