BOMA 360 Performance Program™ AED Defibrillator Information for Florida Managers
Keith W Murray
February 04, 2010
One of the requirements involves AEDs – automated external defibrillators. This is where we suggest working with a professional company, experienced in the various makes and models of defibrillators. Find a company that provides not only the AEDs, but will assist with AED site surveys and actually perform a needs analysis. This same company should also assist with maintaining the AEDs through a program management role. Additionally, this same company should provide CPR AED and First Aid training to as many people in the building as possible. The more trained responders present during a medical emergency the greater the victims chances of survival.
Under the Life Safety / Security / Risk Management heading BOMA requires a copy of the AED policy, or PAD program training guide. This document should be updated on an annual basis to include any changes such as the number or locations of AEDs, trained responders, changes to the AED or any other relevant information.
If you currently do not have an AED on property the first question I will address is "Should we have an Automated External Defibrillator - AED on property." My answer is always "Yes". I say yes as long as you are willing to implement the program correctly. Proper implementation of the program includes determining how many AEDs are required, where the AEDs should be placed, CPR AED training, maintenance and regular inspections.
1. What is an AED and how does it work?
An Automated External Defibrillator or AED is a portable, battery operated electronic device about the size of a laptop computer. The AED automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a victim and is able to treat the patient with an electrical shock which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. AEDs are designed to be simple so that anyone can use one. So simple that I often start my classes by selecting someone from the class that has never seen an AED and I ask them to demonstrate how to use an AED by following the AEDs voice instructions. To date, the youngest person to effectively demonstrate the AED in one of my classes was 9 years old.
2. Why should I buy an AED?
According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest claims about 340,000 lives each year – or around 1,000 every day in the United States. Sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading cause of death in the United States kills more people than breast cancer, lung cancer, and AIDS combined. Currently 95 percent of all cardiac arrest victims die.
3. How expensive is an AED Program?
There are several manufacturers of AEDs for sale in the United States. These AEDs range in price from about $1,225 to about $1,800. Although AEDs are not inexpensive they are invaluable if they save your life or the life of a family member, friend, neighbor or anyone else.
In addition to the AED you will need purchase an AED cabinet ($200 - $300), the rescue ready kit ($40 - $50), and training of your staff and residents. Don´t cut corners on training! Hire a qualified instructor that has real life experience using CPR and AEDs to save lives. Make certain your instructor is named on the training companies insurance. Also ask if the instructor is a full time employee or a temp hired just to do odd jobs. Remember, you want quality training and quality means full time, insured professional instructor. Training is the single most important part of your AED program.
You should also budget for new batteries and electrode pads. Typically batteries last 2-4 years and electrode pads generally need to be replaced every 2 years. This varies by manufacturer.
4. Should my building purchase an AED?
Simply put, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives. Would you vote in favor of spending $2,000 if it saved a someone´s life? The answer is obviously yes. You have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, security cameras and other systems to save your property why not get one that will save your life.
5. What are the benefits of owning an AED?
Without the AED the chances of surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) outside of a hospital setting are very small – less than 5%. However, if the AED is applied to the victim quickly their odds increase to about 70% - 90%.
6. What type of training is required to use an AED?
AEDs are designed to be very simple to use. However, this is a race against time. For every minute we delay shocking our victim their chance of survival drops 10%. Training increases speed, confidence and efficiency. I suggest working with a professional trainer that has real life experience using CPR and AEDs on real people. An instructor that can work with your staff and tenants to answer any and all questions. Someone that can create realistic training scenarios to use during class and most importantly someone that can make your staff and residents comfortable using their new skills. You don´t want an instructor that scares them or confuses them. Look for a full time, insured professional that knows AEDs, CPR and understands the legal issues associated.
7. What does OSHA indicate about AEDs?
"Because the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can save the lives of workers who experience cardiac arrest while on the job, OSHA today encouraged employers to consider making this equipment available in their workplace."
US Department of Labor, Office of Public Affairs, Dec. 17, 2001
8. What about Federal Laws regarding the use of AEDs?
The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA) of 2000 is our nation's first legislation recognizing the lifesaving role played by automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The law highlights the need to make AEDs accessible to anyone who has had proper training, not just professional medical personnel. The law protects trained AED users from liability, and also protects any person who has maintained the device, provided training, tested the device or acquired it. The law also augments existing state "Good Samaritan" laws by ensuring federal liability protection for trained users and purchasers of AEDs.
9. Liability - Am I safer with or without an AED?
Florida is a very litigious state. Attorneys are advertising everywhere and many people view filing lawsuits as hitting the lottery. But not having an AED may put you at greater than owning one. The increasing number of AEDs in public places, coupled with the fact that AEDS dramatically increase cardiac arrest survival rates may establish a standard of care. If the property down the road has an AED program in place to save lives, why doesn´t your property offer the same protection?
In summary, having AEDs on property is a very good idea. AEDs are designed only to shock someone in cardiac arrest. If someone were to apply the device to a person that was not in cardiac arrest it would not shock them. The key to a good AED program is AED placement, training, maintenance and program management. Place the AEDs where they can be easily retrieved in a medical emergency. Train both your staff and tenants how to use these. Educate everyone where the AEDs are located and how to use the AED. Inspect the AEDs per the manufacturers guidelines, typically once per month and replace batteries and electrode pads as indicated.
The CPR School will travel to your Florida business to perform an AED needs evaluation as well as implement the AED program. We are able to assist with all aspects of the AED program from planning to implementation to maintenance.
AED, CPR and First Aid Safety Training. AED Sales, Service and Program Management. To learn more about how we can help you please visit http://www.TheCPRSchool.com or call The CPR School at 561-762-0500.
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