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5141.8 - Use Of Automated External Defibrillators

Use Of Automated External Defibrillators

The Lopatcong Township Board of Education is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, teachers, support staff, parents, and other visitors to its schools.  To help safeguard the health of individuals in its schools, the Board is implementing a program for the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.  Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a condition that occurs when the electrical impulses of the human heart malfunction causing a disturbance in the heart’s electrical rhythm.  This erratic and ineffective electrical rhythm causes complete cessation of the heart’s normal function of pumping blood resulting in death if not immediately treated.  The most effective treatment for this condition is the administration of an electrical current to the heart by a defibrillator.

An AED is used to treat victims who experience Sudden Cardiac Arrest.  It is only to be applied to victims who are unconscious and are without pulse, signs of circulation, and normal breathing.  The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable rhythm is detected.  If a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED will charge to the appropriate energy level and advise the operator to deliver a shock.  Research has shown that immediate intervention increases a victim’s chance of survival.  Therefore, access to an AED can save lives.

The Board will acquire directly or through donations at least one AED for each of its schools.  The Chief School Administrator is responsible for designating a program coordinator and identifying appropriate school personnel to be trained in the use of the AED (Authorized AED Users).  The Chief School Administrator will also be responsible for overseeing the development of regulations and procedures for the use and maintenance of the AEDs.  These regulations will include:

1. the training and certification of school staff members;

2. placement of the AEDs in each school building;

3. coordination with appropriate emergency responders;

4. defining the circumstances and procedures for using the AEDs;

5. specific reporting requirements after AED use; and

6. the testing and maintenance of the AEDs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The AED shall be used in emergency situations warranting its use by individuals specifically trained in use of the device (Authorized AED Users).  In the event that a trained person is not available, the AED may be administered by any volunteer responder present at the scene of the emergency (Volunteer Responders).  The AED shall only be used to treat victims who are eight years of age or older and who display all the symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.  If the victim is less than eight years of age or 55 pounds or less, the Infant/Child Reduced Energy Defibrillation Electrodes must be used.  Following use all equipment shall be cleaned and/or decontaminated as necessary by an Authorized AED User.

Authorized AED Users

An Authorized AED User is a school district employee who has successfully completed an CPR/AED training program approved by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other program recognized by the Department of Health and Senior Services within the last two years and has a current certification card.  These individuals may include but are not limited to:  nurses, physical education teachers, custodians, administrators, office staff, teachers, or support personnel.  In addition, for the purposes of this policy, AED trained members of the Lopatcong Emergency Squad or Police Department are considered Authorized AED Users.

Any person or entity who, in good faith, acquires or provides a defibrillator, renders emergency care or treatment by the use of a defibrillator, or supervises such care or treatment and who has complied with the requirements of the New Jersey AED Law (C.L.1999, c.34), shall be immune from civil liability for any personal injury as a result of such care or treatment or as a result of any acts or omissions by the person or entity in providing, rendering, or supervising the emergency care of treatment.  The immunity provided shall include the prescribing licensed physician and the person or entity that provided the training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and use of the defibrillator.  This immunity does not apply to licensed paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians-D, or First Responders-D.

Volunteer Responders

Anyone can, at their discretion, provide voluntary assistance to victims of medical emergencies.  The extent to which these individuals respond shall be appropriate to their training and experience.  These responders are encouraged to contribute to emergency response only to the extent they are comfortable.  The emergency medical response of these individuals may include CPR, AED, or medical first aid.  Outside groups using the school buildings have permission to use the AEDs for Sudden Cardiac Arrest medical emergencies.

Click Here To Read Associated Regulation

Legal References:

Cross References:

Key Words:

Automatic External Defibrillators, AED, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR, Cardiac Arrest

Adopted:    January 10, 2006

Reviewed:  January 10, 2006

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