4300 Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Scope

Yale University is committed to the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff, other members of the Yale community and visitors. The purpose of this policy is to allow for safe maintenance and use of AEDs installed on campus. University departments and other administrative units may acquire an AED with University approval. If they do, they must comply with this policy

Policy Statement

Standard:

All AEDs on campus will satisfy applicable Connecticut law and guidance relating to the use and maintenance of AEDs. An Advisory Committee of the Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) has issued recommendations for training, inspection, maintenance and oversight with respect to AED devices.

Good Samaritan Laws:

Connecticut’s Good Samaritan statute, as amended by Public Act 09-59, provides immunity both to persons operating an AED to render emergency care and to persons or entities providing or maintaining AEDs for use in rendering emergency care. Specifically, the amended statute provides, in relevant part:

a person operating an automatic external defibrillator, who, voluntarily and gratuitously and other than in the ordinary course of such person’s employment or practice, renders emergency medical or professional assistance to a person in need thereof, shall not be liable to such person assisted for civil damages for any personal injuries which result from acts or omissions by such person in rendering emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence. A person or entity that provides or maintains an automatic external defibrillator shall not liable for the acts or omissions of the person or entity in providing or maintaining the automatic external defibrillator, which may constitute ordinary negligence. The immunity provided in this subsection does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful or wanton negligence. With respect to the use of an automatic external defibrillator, the immunity provided in this subsection shall only apply to acts or omissions involving the use of an automatic external defibrillator in the rendering of emergency care.

This law was designed to encourage people to use AEDs to save lives by reducing or eliminating the fear that they could be held liable for ordinary negligence in rendering such care.

Reason for the Policy

Each year, more than 250,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest. According to medical experts, the key to survival is timely initiation of a “chain of survival”, including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to treat victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest. The AED must only be applied to victims who are unconscious, without a pulse, and not breathing. Trained non-medical personnel can use these simplified electronic machines to treat a person in cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association notes that at least 20,000 lives could be saved annually by prompt use of AEDs.

Definitions

Automated External Defibrillator (AED): a device used to treat victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): is an emergency medical procedure for a victim in cardiac or respiratory arrest. CPR involves physical interventions to create artificial circulation through rhythmic pressing on the patient’s chest to manually pump blood through the heart, called chest compressions.

Good Samaritan Laws: in the United States are laws or acts protecting from liability those who choose to aid others who are injured or ill. They are intended to reduce bystanders’ hesitation to assist, for fear of being sued or prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: is the abrupt cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively during systole.

Policy Sections

4300.1 EHS Responsibilities

1. In consultation with the University Safety Committee, EHS will work to administer the AED Program.
2. EHS will review and approve the acquisition and placement of all AEDs in University properties.
3. Advise on manufacturer and unit type to be purchased or received by donation.
4. Evaluate and approve required AED/CPR training programs administered to responsible individuals.
5. Ensure that all AEDs are inspected according to manufacturer guidelines. Document and maintain all inspection records for the lifetime of the equipment.
6. If an owner of an AED does not abide by this policy, EHS has the authority to remove such device from service.

4300.2 Departmental Responsibilities

1. Purchase, installation, maintenance and AED/CPR training costs for all assigned AEDs.
2. Identify individual(s) who will be responsible for routine readiness checks of each assigned AED. Identify individuals interested in volunteering for AED/CPR training in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
3. Identify suggested location(s) for new installations.

4300.3 Acquisition

1. Fill out and fax the Automatic External Defibrillator Request Form – FR.01 to EHS at 785-7588.
2. A responsible individual(s) must be assigned the responsibility of compliance with the following:
   • With the assistance of EHS, strategically place AED in a readily accessible location to maximize rapid response.
   • Perform and document weekly inspections to assure that the assigned AED is in a state of readiness.
   • Stay current on all CPR/AED training in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
   • Report to EHS at (203)785-3555, any time an assigned AED has been used during a medical response or is in alarm.
3. Once approval has been given, order AED and all accessories (i.e. – pads, batteries, wall cabinet and signage) through Sciquest.

4300.4 Deployment

1. The AEDs, where available and accessible, may be used in emergency situations when sudden cardiac arrest occurs. Individuals, who have volunteered and who are then designated by the department or administrative unit acquiring the AED, be trained in the use and operation of the device. Such training shall be in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

2. The “AED Medical Advisor” [currently Dr. Roland Jermyn] will provide medical oversight for AEDs under this program and provide the prescription required to obtain an AED.

3. AEDs will be placed in an accessible location and will be inspected in accordance with the operational guidelines of the manufacturer by EHS or designee.

4. The Emergency Medical Service System should be activated immediately upon the discovery of a situation in which the use of an AED is anticipated. Activation will be via the 911 emergency telephone system. The activation of the Emergency Medical Service System should not be delayed due to the actual or anticipated use of an AED.

5. University Departments and Offices interested in learning more should contact Environmental Health and Safety at (203)785-3550.

4300.5 Athletics

1. The Athletics Department must maintain at least one AED not more than 1/4 mile from any area or facility used for intercollegiate sport practice, training or competition, in a central location that is known and accessible to students and staff during all practice, training or competition hours. This includes all indoor practice, training and competition facilities, as well as all outdoor fields and stadiums.

2. At least one person who is trained in CPR and the use of an AED must be on the premises during all hours of practice, training or competition.

3. The AED must be maintained and tested in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and University policy.

4. The Emergency Medical Service System must be promptly activated upon each use of the AED.

Revision History

Approved by University Safety Committee – 11/4/2008

Updated Related Information – 4/30/2010

Added Athletics section due to new Higher

Education Law effective 1/1/2013 – 10/5/2012